HIV Digest	HIV Digest Archive

Montreal has adopted hiring standards for its police force, stipulating that HIV-positive candidates will not be hired. A survey of other professions and trades whose members have close contact with the public revealed that they have no such rule.

Robert Salois, president of the Quebec Order of Dentists, which regulates the practice of 4,000 professionals, said he is unaware of HIV testing as a condition of employment for dentists. "It doesn't exist in Quebec and would be illegal, contrary to the Charter of Rights and Freedoms," he said.

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The Quebec Human Rights Commission is investigating a complaint brought by AIDS rights groups against the Grand Seminaire de Montreal's demand for HIV testing of priesthood candidates. Commission spokesperson Ginette L'Heureux said such tests cannot be ordered unless they directly relate to the job, and the employer must prove an illness would interfere with a person's work.

Urgences Sante, with 850 ambulance technicians, does not require HIV tests for new employees, according to spokesperson Eric Berry. "In our job, even if you have HIV, it doesn't mean you can't practice," he said.

No trainers or swim instructors at downtown Montreal's YMCA are asked to take HIV tests, said Director Richard St-Yves. "When you teach phys ed or swimming, even if a person were HIV positive, there is no danger of transmission," he said.

Louise Cantin, secretary-general of the 65,000-member Quebec Order of Nurses, said hospitals and other health care centers in Quebec do not require HIV tests for nurses.

Hans Brouillette, spokesperson for the Quebec Association of Restaurateurs, which represents 5,500 restaurants, said he knows of no cases where cooks or waiters must take HIV tests. "When you hire someone, you don't have the right even to ask those questions," he said.

Editor's Note: from the Gazette (Montreal)