Grifols pauses all Canadian plasma collection operations

Grifols, a Spanish for-profit company that operates Canada’s only paid plasma collection network, has announced a voluntary pause of all its Canadian operations. The company cited “unfounded attention” regarding compensated plasma collection as the reason for the decision.

The pause follows increased scrutiny after two donors died following plasma donations at a Winnipeg clinic in late 2025 and early 2026. While Health Canada stated there were no links between the deaths and the donation process—noting one donor had a pre-existing heart condition—the incidents have fueled calls to end paid donations.

Additionally, Health Canada recently issued a notice of non-compliance for a Grifols site in Winnipeg, citing insufficient records regarding staff training, equipment maintenance, and calibration. The company stated the temporary shutdown will allow it to work with Health Canada and Canadian Blood Services to develop a framework for a sustainable plasma collection network in the country. Health Canada has indicated the pause will not impact the overall safety or security of the national blood supply.