News Release

1997-46
July 22, 1997

Minister Rock and consumer groups exchange ideas about blood safety

Ottawa - Health Minister Allan Rock today met representatives of consumer organizations who are advising federal, provincial and territorial governments about plans for the blood system, and a new national blood authority that will be responsible for managing all aspects of an accountable, fullyintegrated blood system.

The Minister thanked consumers for their ideas about blood safety and their input into the process to restructure the blood system, which was launched by F/P/T Health Ministers last year when they agreed to take action to resolve problems with the blood system. In September, 1996, participating Health Ministers announced their intention to establish a new national authority to operate Canada's blood system, and set a goal of one year for the new authority to be in place. Health Ministers are meeting in Montreal on Friday in a working session, as a further step toward meeting the target of September for having the new blood authority in place.

Minister Rock assured consumers that they will continue to play a role in the development of a new blood system.

The Minister also agreed to convene a further meeting with consumers regarding some of their concerns relating to the Health Protection Branch at Health Canada.

"Consumers and stakeholders have played a vital role in designing a new blood system, and they will continue to be involved as the system is implemented," said the Minister. "I am also convinced that there are ways to better involve consumers and other stakeholders in how blood is regulated for safety. That is one of the keys to restoring confidence in the safety of blood and blood products."

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Media Inquiries:
Monette Haché
Health Canada
(613) 957-1803

Public Inquiries:
(613) 957-2991