Health Canada announced on September 23, 2026 that it has suspended the licence of the Grifols plasma collection facility in Winnipeg, Manitoba. The regulatory action follows a donor death that occurred last year and prompted a review of the centre’s quality‑management practices.
The decision was taken after Health Canada identified concerns about the way the for‑profit plasma centre managed its quality systems. The agency said the issues raised by the fatal incident required immediate corrective action and that the suspension would remain in place until the operator can demonstrate compliance with national safety standards.
Grifols, a multinational company that operates plasma collection sites across Canada, has been asked to submit a detailed remediation plan. The plan must address the specific deficiencies cited by Health Canada, including procedures for donor screening, equipment maintenance, and emergency response protocols. The regulator indicated that a thorough audit will be conducted before any consideration is given to reinstating the licence.
The donor’s death last year sparked public concern about the safety of for‑profit plasma collection facilities, which rely on paid donors to supply plasma used in a range of medical therapies. While no additional incidents have been reported at the Winnipeg site, the fatal outcome highlighted potential gaps in oversight and prompted calls for stricter monitoring of such operations.
Health Canada’s move underscores the agency’s responsibility to protect public health and ensure that plasma collection adheres to rigorous standards. The suspension also serves as a reminder to other plasma collection centres of the importance of robust quality‑management systems. The agency has not provided a timeline for when the Winnipeg centre might resume operations, pending successful completion of the required corrective measures.
Stakeholders, including patients who depend on plasma‑derived therapies, will be watching the remediation process closely. In the meantime, the suspension remains effective, and the Winnipeg Grifols facility is not authorized to collect plasma until Health Canada lifts the ban.