Two plasma donor deaths in Canada have sparked national concern and triggered a federal investigation into private plasma collection clinics. The deaths, linked to plasma donations at Grifols-operated centres in Winnipeg, have intensified debate about donor safety, paid plasma programs, and the role of private companies in Canada’s blood product system.
Health Canada has confirmed it is reviewing the cases after two individuals died following plasma donations at the Winnipeg clinics. While officials say there is currently no confirmed link between the deaths and plasma donation itself, advocacy groups and health experts are calling for a deeper independent investigation into what happened and whether stronger safeguards are needed.
Two deaths after plasma donations at Winnipeg clinics
The two deaths occurred months apart at Grifols Plasma Donation Centres in Winnipeg, Manitoba. One death reportedly occurred in October, while the second happened in January. Both incidents involved donors who had recently given plasma at the private collection facilities.
Grifols, the company operating the centres, said it has “no reason to believe that there is a correlation between the donors’ passing and plasma donation.” Health Canada also stated that no causal link has yet been established between the deaths and the plasma donation process.
However, the cases are now under federal review, and the situation has raised broader questions about donor safety and regulatory oversight of private plasma collection in Canada.
Health groups demand independent inquest
Following the reports, health advocacy organizations in Canada are pushing for an independent public inquest. The Manitoba Health Coalition said the deaths deserve a thorough investigation that is fully transparent and separate from federal regulators.
The coalition argues that because Health Canada licenses plasma collection companies such as Grifols, relying solely on a federal investigation could create a perceived conflict of interest.
“We want as independent and fulsome an investigation as possible for the loved ones of these Manitobans who died,” said coalition executive director Noah Schulz. Advocacy groups say an inquest would help determine whether any systemic failures contributed to the deaths and whether policy changes are necessary to prevent similar incidents in the future.
The Ontario Health Coalition has also supported calls for an inquest and requested that Canadian Blood Services publicly release its contract with Grifols to provide greater transparency.
Concerns about frequent plasma donation
One of the most controversial aspects of the system is how often donors are allowed to give plasma. Health Canada currently allows plasma donors to donate up to 104 times per year, which effectively means twice per week.
Critics argue that such frequent donations could raise safety concerns, especially when combined with financial incentives. Natalie Mehra, executive director of the Ontario Health Coalition, said meta-analyses of plasma harvesting suggest that very frequent donations may carry risks that deserve closer scrutiny.
At private plasma clinics, donors can receive compensation ranging from approximately $60 to $100 per session, sometimes with additional bonuses and promotional incentives.
Inspection reports revealed compliance issues
Inspection reports published by the Government of Canada show that several plasma collection sites operated by Grifols have faced regulatory compliance issues in recent years.
The Winnipeg plasma donation centre on Taylor Avenue was last inspected in 2023, while another location on Innovation Drive underwent inspection in 2025. Both facilities were ultimately deemed compliant with federal regulations but were found to have several issues.
Inspectors noted that records related to staff qualifications, equipment cleaning, and maintenance procedures were “not always sufficient.” The inspection report also stated that the centre did not always thoroughly investigate errors or accidents to determine proper corrective and preventive actions.
Health Canada requested corrective actions to address these problems, although no follow-up report detailing the changes has been publicly released.
Across Canada, four inspections at Grifols locations have been classified as “non-compliant” since 2022, although none of those cases involved the Winnipeg centres.
Debate grows over paid plasma donation
The deaths have reignited a long-running debate over paid plasma donation in Canada. While plasma is essential for producing life-saving therapies for people with immune disorders, bleeding disorders, and other serious conditions, critics argue that paying donors changes the ethics of the blood system.
Canada’s traditional blood system has historically relied on voluntary donations through organizations such as Canadian Blood Services. However, private plasma collection companies have expanded in recent years to meet rising global demand for plasma-based medicines.
Some provinces have responded by banning paid plasma donations. British Columbia, Quebec, and Ontario have all implemented restrictions, although Ontario has made a special exemption allowing Grifols to operate through Canadian Blood Services.
Manitoba considering ban on paid plasma donations
The Manitoba government is now considering whether to ban paid plasma donation in the province following the deaths.
Health Minister Uzoma Asagwara said provincial officials were not informed about the donor deaths when they occurred but confirmed the government would consider stronger restrictions, including a possible ban.
Under Manitoba law, the province’s chief medical examiner can call an inquest if it is believed there would be a public benefit in examining the circumstances surrounding a death.
Why plasma donation remains important
Despite the controversy, plasma collection remains a critical part of modern medicine. Plasma is used to produce therapies that treat immune deficiencies, bleeding disorders such as hemophilia, and severe burns.
Canada currently relies heavily on imported plasma-derived medicines to meet patient demand. Expanding domestic plasma collection has been seen by some policymakers as a way to improve national supply security.
Health Canada continues to regulate the plasma industry and says patient and donor safety remain the top priority. More information about plasma collection and regulation can be found through Health Canada’s plasma product guidelines.
Investigation continues
For now, investigators are still reviewing the two deaths and examining whether any medical, procedural, or regulatory factors played a role.
Even if no direct link between plasma donation and the deaths is ultimately established, the incident has already triggered national discussion about safety standards, inspection practices, and the future of paid plasma donation in Canada.
As the investigation continues, both regulators and policymakers will face growing pressure to ensure the system remains safe, transparent, and trusted by the public.
