Yesterday a spokesman for the Canadian Red Cross finally admitted what Canadians have known since the 1980’s.

The Red Cross used to manage blood supplies in the country until it was discovered that blood containing HIV and Hepatitis C had been collected and distributed. 3 thousand Canadians have died. About 1 thousand contacted blood borne HIV, about 20 thousand contacted Hepatitis C. Many were hemophiliacs.

“Canadian Red Cross Society is deeply sorry for the injury and death . . . for the suffering caused to families and loved ones of those who were harmed,” said Red Cross secretary-general Dr. Pierre Duplessis.

“We accept responsibility through our plea for having distributed harmful products for those that rely on us for their health.”

This Red Cross admission is part of a plea agreement worked out with the Crown to violating The Food and Drug Act by distributing tainted product.

The Red Cross is no longer responsible for collecting and distributing blood products. An agency called Canadian Blood Services was set up.

What bothers people is that between the 1980’s and 1990’s screening techniques were available. They were not used.

Blood donation is not paid for in Canada, it is voluntary. Some tainted blood product was bought from US prisons through a US company. The Red Cross was not charged until 2002. A judge will rule on the legalities June 30th.

It’s not over. A fine of 5 thousand dollars will be paid for the violation of the Food and Drug Act, and a $1.5-million payment will be made to the University of Ottawa for research and scholarships for family members of those affected.

As well, four doctors and a US pharmacutical company will be in court in November facing criminal charges. The director of blood collection services until 1986, is ill and may have his trial moved up to July.

Compensation packages for families are ongoing. The Red Cross has paid out 70 million dollars.

Canadian Blood Services
Krever Commission Report

PS: As a reporter I covered some of the advocates as they fought for compensation, admission of wrong-doing, and the setting up of the new blood service. It was heart-breaking to see people lose loved ones, contact HIV from infected spouses, battle illness and treatment. I’m sorry to say that I did the last thing anyone should do - I stopped giving blood. I’ve talked to Canadian Blood Services about their screening and safety, and although what they tell me is probably true, I’ve not been able to take that step that used to be second nature.