Friday, March 20, 2026
ADVT 
National

Health Canada reviewing two deaths of plasma donors in Winnipeg, says no link so far

Darpan News Desk The Canadian Press, 12 Mar, 2026 10:43 AM
  • Health Canada reviewing two deaths of plasma donors in Winnipeg, says no link so far

Health Canada is investigating the deaths of two people in recent months who donated plasma at private collection centres in Winnipeg.

It says the deaths happened in October and January following plasma donations at two locations run by Grifols, a company that pays donors.

The story was first reported by CBC, which said one of the donors died when her heart stopped while giving plasma.

Health Canada says the investigation is ongoing and no link has been established between the donation process and the two deaths.

Grifols says, based on information so far, it has no reason to believe there was a correlation between the deaths and plasma donation.

The company says it followed protocols in both cases and is conducting its own review in addition to supporting the government investigation.

"Every donor undergoes an extensive health history evaluation and physical examination before being deemed eligible to donate," the company said in a written statement this week.

"We strive to operate under strict operational procedures at the highest standard."

Picture Courtesy: AP Photo/Juan Karita, FILE

MORE National ARTICLES

Carney, premiers say they're 'united' ahead of upcoming CUSMA review

Carney, premiers say they're 'united' ahead of upcoming CUSMA review
Prime Minister Mark Carney and the premiers said Thursday they're maintaining a united front under the long shadow of the upcoming negotiations for the review of North America's key free trade agreement.

Carney, premiers say they're 'united' ahead of upcoming CUSMA review

B.C.-based Pattison says it did not know warehouse was to become ICE facility

B.C.-based Pattison says it did not know warehouse was to become ICE facility
A gigantic warehouse across the street from an outdoor equipment store has become a flashpoint in Virginia as the U.S. grapples with the Trump administration's immigration crackdown — and a British Columbia company has been pulled into the fray.

B.C.-based Pattison says it did not know warehouse was to become ICE facility

Canadian companies criticized over ties to U.S. immigration enforcement

Canadian companies criticized over ties to U.S. immigration enforcement
Canadian companies are coming under fire over their ties to U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement as U.S. President Donald Trump pursues a mass deportation campaign to expel vast numbers of immigrants.

Canadian companies criticized over ties to U.S. immigration enforcement

Feds select former B.C. chief electoral officer to oversee foreign influence registry

Feds select former B.C. chief electoral officer to oversee foreign influence registry
The Liberal government has chosen Anton Boegman, a former chief electoral officer of British Columbia, to administer the planned federal foreign influence transparency registry.

Feds select former B.C. chief electoral officer to oversee foreign influence registry

Inuit call for a larger role in Canada's Arctic defence surge

Inuit call for a larger role in Canada's Arctic defence surge
The leader of the national organization representing Inuit says the federal government must bring them to the table when it makes its plans for defence spending in the Arctic.

Inuit call for a larger role in Canada's Arctic defence surge

Liberal MP proposes sweeping changes to Divorce Act

Liberal MP proposes sweeping changes to Divorce Act
A Liberal MP is pushing for changes to the Divorce Act to give children a say in divorce proceedings and limit the effects of coercive control and domestic violence.

Liberal MP proposes sweeping changes to Divorce Act