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

Extortion-related shooting is fourth in B.C.'s Lower Mainland since last week

Extortion-related shooting is fourth in B.C.'s Lower Mainland since last week
Police in Surrey, B.C., say another shooting linked to ongoing extortion violence happened overnight Thursday, marking at least the fourth such attack in the Lower Mainland since last week.

Extortion-related shooting is fourth in B.C.'s Lower Mainland since last week

Carney meets with Chinese President Xi Jinping

Carney meets with Chinese President Xi Jinping
Prime Minister Mark Carney met with Chinese President Xi Jinping at the Great Hall of the People in Beijing.

Carney meets with Chinese President Xi Jinping

Campbell-era minister Iain Black joining B.C. Conservative leadership race

Campbell-era minister Iain Black joining B.C. Conservative leadership race
Iain Black, a former minister in the British Columbia government of Gordon Campbell, is joining the race to lead the provincial Conservatives.

Campbell-era minister Iain Black joining B.C. Conservative leadership race

Five topics other than trade that could come up during Carney's China visit

Five topics other than trade that could come up during Carney's China visit
Prime Minister Mark Carney is in Beijing this week for meetings with President Xi Jinping and other officials. Upon arriving in China Wednesday, Carney said he was "ready to build a new partnership" with the country.

Five topics other than trade that could come up during Carney's China visit

B.C. and feds enter lumber understanding with China during Carney visit

B.C. and feds enter lumber understanding with China during Carney visit
British Columbia's Forests Ministry has entered into a memorandum of understanding with the Chinese government to boost research, development and promotion of modern wood construction in creating green buildings in China.

B.C. and feds enter lumber understanding with China during Carney visit

Schools closed, commuters facing delays as heavy snow blankets southern Ontario

Schools closed, commuters facing delays as heavy snow blankets southern Ontario
Schools were closed and commuters faced severe delays on Thursday morning as heavy snow continued to hammer much of southern Ontario, blocking streets and forcing cars into ditches. 

Schools closed, commuters facing delays as heavy snow blankets southern Ontario