In the City of Toronto, we uphold the principle of voluntary blood and plasma donation, acknowledging its vital importance as a public good. Our commitment derives from the lessons of Canada’s tainted blood crisis, which tragically claimed approximately 8,000 lives. The subsequent Royal Krever Commission urged a fully voluntary, non-payment oriented blood and plasma donation system.

Within our Ontario healthcare system, we perceive blood donations as a priceless public resource, underscoring the need to safeguard the integrity of the public, voluntary donor system.

The Voluntary Blood Donations Act of Ontario strengthens this stance, legislating against the payment of donors and prohibiting donors from receiving financial compensation for their blood or plasma.

Canada Blood Services plans to open five paid plasma clinics, including one in Toronto, by 2025. This issue needs immediate attention and action. The public health community has raised concerns about Grifols Pharmaceuticals' plans to open a Toronto clinic. It's vital we protect vulnerable residents from exploitation by for-profit plasma collection companies offering cash for blood-plasma, a predatory practice.

In bringing this motion forward, we strive to reinforce the principles of voluntary, non-remunerated blood and plasma donation, protecting both the integrity of Canada’s public blood system and the dignity of blood donors.

Councillor Chris Moise, seconded by Councillor Alejandra Bravo, recommends that:

1. City Council express its opposition to the operation of private for-profit blood collection companies in the City.

2. City Council forward this item to Canadian Blood Services, federal, provincial and territorial Ministers of Health, Grifols Pharmaceuticals, and all Ontario Municipalities and request that they support only voluntary blood and plasma collection, where donors do not receive payment for their blood or plasma.