|
|
 |
|
Spotlight: |
|
|
| You are here: Home > Spotlight > Tainted Blood Scandal in Canada |
Tainted Blood Scandal in Canada
In November 2004, federal Health Minister Ujjal Dosanjh announced
the federal government was prepared to reopen talks to extend
the compensation package for victims of the tainted blood scandal
of the early 1990s. During the 1980s and early ‘90s, thousands
of Canadians were infected with Hepatitis C through blood transfusions
and blood products from Canada’s blood banks. Under the
original compensation package, agreed to in 1998 by the federal,
provincial and territorial governments and lawyers for the victims,
persons who were infected before 1986 and after 1990 were deemed
to be excluded from any compensation whatsoever. The federal
government, it appears, is now willing to offer compensation
to all victims.
This Spotlight examines the issues surrounding the tainted blood
scandal and the government compensation of victims. Specific
topics include:
-
- The necessary background on the science of blood, blood transfusions,
and blood-based diseases such as HIV and Hepatitis C.
-
- An overview of events surrounding the tainted blood scandal of
the early 1990s.
-
- Highlights of the federal commission of inquiry into the tainted
blood scandal.
-
- Background on the organization and principles of Canadian
Blood Services (CBS), the new operator of Canada’s
blood system.
-
- An overview of past federal government compensation packages,
changes in the government’s position, and political
events surrounding the 1998 settlement.
-
- A list of relevant internal and external links.
|
