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B.C. joins Alberta, Ontario, Quebec in banning payment for blood and plasma

B.C. joins Alberta, Ontario, Quebec in banning payment for blood and plasma | iNFOnews.ca
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VICTORIA – Payment for blood and plasma would be prohibited in British Columbia under legislation introduced today.

There are no clinics in B.C. that pay people for blood or plasma and the legislation is meant to prevent any from opening.

Health Minister Adrian Dix says people who voluntary donate blood through Canadian Blood Services help save lives.

Similar laws exist in Alberta, Ontario and Quebec but the B.C. Health Ministry says private organizations elsewhere in Canada pay donors for plasma and sell it on the global market.

Dr. Graham D. Sher, CEO of Canadian Blood Services, says he's pleased to see British Columbia's support for the national blood-supply system.

The Health Ministry says people who violate the law would be fined up to $10,000 for a first offence, and companies would pay $100,000 for a first offence and $500,000 for each subsequent contravention of the law.

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Howard Alexander

Assistant Editor Howard Alexander comes to iNFOnews.ca from the broadcasting side of the media business.

Howard has been a reporter, news anchor, talk show host and news director, first in Saskatchewan and then the Okanagan.

He moved his family to Vernon in the 90s and is proud to call the Okanagan home.

If you have an event to share contact Howard at 250-309-5343or email halexander@infonews.ca.

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