Statement from the Secretary General, Canadian Red Cross

Tuesday October 2, 2007

Following the verdict delivered by the Superior Court yesterday regarding the blood tragedy of the1980s, the Canadian Red Cross would like to reiterate how deeply sorry we are for those who were hurt.  

In 2005, the Canadian Red Cross accepted responsibility for not quickly enough adopting measures to reduce the risk of infection from blood products we distributed by pleading guilty to a regulatory charge under the Food and Drugs Act. Along with paying a fine to the court, the Canadian Red Cross funded scholarships for people impacted (those infected and their children) and also contributed funds towards a research program into medical error, established by the University of Ottawa.

The Canadian Red Cross has also contributed over the years to compensation programs provided for those infected with HIV and HCV, and their families. However, I recognize that there is nothing that can adequately compensate for the loss or suffering of a loved one.

We at the Canadian Red Cross acknowledge the relief that Dr. Perrault, our former director, and his family must feel after his acquittal yesterday of criminal charges and the lengthy process he has faced. At the same time we want to assure Canadians that Red Cross will never forget the blood tragedy. And we don’t want Canadians to forget it either. We must learn from it -- and do what we can to ensure such a crisis never happens again.

Since transferring blood operations to Canadian Blood Services in 1998, the Canadian Red Cross has focussed on its programs to help keep people safe through water safety lessons, first aid training, disaster preparedness and response, prevention of child abuse and international programs to help people in need around the world. I believe the best action Red Cross can take now is to work harder than ever at saving and improving lives, every day. 

Posted October 2, 2007