Information

September 11, 1997

A message to Canadians from Canada's Health Ministers

Canada's Health Ministers (except Quebec) have agreed to create a new agency, the national blood authority, to manage the blood supply.

Setting up a new agency is complex and will take time. Ministers want to be absolutely clear that transition to a new system will happen smoothly, safely and effectively.

Throughout the transition period the Canadian Red Cross will continue to operate the blood program, including collecting blood from volunteer donors.

Red Cross clinics continue to operate. They are ready to receive donors.

Blood is an essential component of health care, and virtually every Canadian at some time in his or her life will depend on it to sustain their health, or the health of a loved one.

Canada's Health Ministers thank all those Canadians who donate the gift of blood as a selfless gift to their fellow citizens, and urge Canadians to continue to give.

For those who have never given blood, please consider becoming a donor.