The Public Health Agency of Canada (PHAC) is planning to sunset the Blood Safety Contribution Program (BSCP). They hope to have this process done by March 2026. This national program continually tests blood donations for the purpose of maintaining safety. In that move, it was created to remedy one of Canada’s worst-ever public health disasters—the tainted blood scandal of the 1980s. In August, officials made the decision to end the program without fanfare. This abrupt decision shocked advocates, who fear it will jeopardize the safety of the nation’s blood supply.
As a federal commitment under its transition plan, PHAC will fund a national consensus conference on hemovigilance in early 2026. This conference is focused on the critical assessment of Canada’s hemovigilance system and to chart a way forward when the BSCP comes to an end. Other stakeholders feel that terminating the BSCP would increase the risks associated with blood transfusion. Their concerns are stirring the debate on more controversial safety measures.
Background on the BSCP
The BSCP was created in the wake of the Krever Inquiry. This investigation uncovered substantial lapses in the safety of blood products that led to thousands of infections with HIV and Hepatitis C from tainted blood products. From the beginning, the program has been essential to our nation’s capacity to monitor the safety of our blood supply and add necessary safeguards.
Yet over the years, funding for the BSCP has been on a constant downward spiral. It has plummeted from $4 million in the late 1990s to just over $2 million today. Critics say this funding cut is a clear signal of blood safety disinvestment. They argue that in the absence of a strong national monitoring system, transfusion errors or injuries may occur with increasing regularity.
“This is just wrong on so many levels,” – Terri-Lynn Langdon
Langdon, one of the most vocal critics of PHAC’s decision, stresses keeping an eye on governance for blood safety. She implores PHAC to change course. Most Canadians are not aware of what this change may expose them to.
Criticism and Concerns
The proposed end of the BSCP has led to a tidal wave of protest from public health advocates and organizations. David Page, a representative from the Canadian Society for Transfusion Medicine (CSTM), warns that without a national system in place to monitor events across Canada and even internationally, emerging trends related to blood safety may go unnoticed.
“If you don’t have a national system to look at all the events across the country and even internationally, then you may not pick up emerging trends,” – David Page
Additionally, an impact assessment done by CSTM found that most provinces have the insufficient infrastructure to collect adverse transfusion reaction data. This lack of oversight is particularly alarming given the need for quick action in response to safety threats, as was the case with blood transfusions.
“Few provinces and territories actually have a database infrastructure in place to collect adverse transfusion reaction data,” – CSTM Board
The soon-to-be national loss of an adverse transfusion reaction database presents a key risk to future data collection initiatives. These efforts are essential for preventing disasters while rapidly responding when a problem occurs.
Community Response and Action
In reaction to PHAC’s announcement, thousands of concerned citizens have organized to save the BSCP. An online petition advocating for the program’s continuation has amassed over 1,300 signatures, showcasing public support for maintaining stringent blood safety measures.
Langdon is optimistic that these grassroots and community efforts will have long-term impact on PHAC’s decision-making process. In her letter, she reiterates her commitment to ensuring that Canadians have confidence in the safety of blood products they receive.
“I want to know that those blood products I receive are safe,” – Terri-Lynn Langdon
Langdon (right) argues that public consciousness on this growing threat needs to be raised. She thinks that Canadians owe themselves to know more about blood safety, and what it means to end such an important program.
Official Stance of PHAC
In light of increasing pushback from public health stakeholders, PHAC continues to insist that their decision to sundown the BSCP fits within their shifting priorities. The agency is clear on the fact that there are already enough safeguards in place to ensure the safety of Canada’s blood supply.
André Gagnon, a representative from PHAC, pointed out that a formal evaluation concluded existing regulations and reporting requirements under Health Canada or provincial and territorial jurisdictions are adequate for current needs. Industry watchdogs say that these release make no mention of new threats to blood safety.
“The federal health system should continue to provide effective leadership and governance for a national hemovigilance system and should define the scope and elements of that system,” – CSTM Board of Directors
They highlight that, for implementation to be truly effective across Canada, national leadership and coordination is needed.
