KAMLOOPS, B.C. — Health Minister Terry Lake is open to allowing a pay-for-plasma clinic in British Columbia, saying the province already gets about 85 per cent of its supply from the United States where donors are paid for blood products.
He says Winnipeg has a clinic and the practice could happen in B.C., with donors and recipients being assured of the highest-quality practices.
Canadian Plasma Resources is considering opening a clinic in B.C., prompting Lake to consult with Canadian Blood Services, the not-for-profit organization that manages the supply of blood and blood products across the country, except in Quebec.
The B.C. Health Coalition has called on the province to follow the lead of Ontario and Quebec, which have banned pay-for-plasma clinics.
The federal NDP wants Ottawa to ban plasma clinics, citing safety concerns, after Saskatchewan recently announced plans to open a facility.
