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"Allowing a pay-for-donation plasma collection centre to open in Moncton is a step backward for the healthcare system both in our province and the country as a whole." — Susie Proulx-Daigle, NBU President
Fredericton (07 Nov. 2016) — Susie Proulx-Daigle, President of the New Brunswick Union (NBU/NUPGE) helped send a strong message to the provincial government on October 27.
Privatization of blood plasma collection possible in New Brunswick
Proulx-Daigle was part of a delegation which delivered a petition signed by more than 15,000 Canadians to provincial Health Minister Victor Boudreau. The petition calls on the government to "implement legislation that ensures no for-profit, private paid blood plasma collection clinics are allowed to operate."
The controversial private blood broker, Canadian Plasma Resources (CPR), has applied for a license from the federal Government to open a clinic in Moncton. Minister Boudreau has vocalized support for the blood brokers citing the need for jobs in the province.
The company was recently banned from opening in Ontario after setting up blood plasma clinics next to a homeless shelter in downtown Toronto. They have since moved their operation to Saskatoon and are situated around the corner from pawn and payday loan shops.
NBU/NUPGE joins forces with BloodWatch and other labour unions to push for a ban on for-profits
In addition to Proulx-Daigle, Kat Lanteigne, the executive director of BloodWatch.org, an organization that represents tainted blood survivors and patients who use plasma-based medication and members of the New Brunswick Nurses Union, CUPE and the Canadian Labour Congress helped present the petition to Boudreau.
"We feel this petition accurately reflects the feelings of New Brunswickers and Canadians when it comes to this topic," said Proulx-Daigle. "Allowing a pay-for-donation plasma collection centre to open in Moncton is a step backward for the healthcare system both in our province and the country as a whole."
Safety and health concerns major issues with Canadian Plasma Resources
The NBU/NUPGE opposes the Moncton clinic for several reasons including safety and health concerns such as having a negative impact on our national blood and plasma collection system, the Canadian Blood Services, which could result in less life-saving plasma-based medications for Canadians.
"It's important to understand that the blood plasma Canadian Plasma Resources would collect will not be used for Canadian patients as it will be exported and sold to the highest bidder," said Lanteinge "We are very thankful Minister Boudreau has agreed to accept this petition. As a Health Minister, he has a direct obligation to the people of New Brunswick and to our blood system as whole. This is an issue we cannot afford to be divided on."
NUPGE
The National Union of Public and General Employees (NUPGE) is one of Canada's largest labour organizations with over 370,000 members. Our mission is to improve the lives of working families and to build a stronger Canada by ensuring our common wealth is used for the common good. NUPGE