Grifols Begins Phased Reopening of Canadian Plasma Centres After Two-Month Pause
Plasma donation company Grifols resumed collection activities at two Canadian locations on October 20, 2026, following a two-month operational pause triggered by regulatory non-compliance and public scrutiny. The phased reopening includes enhanced oversight from Health Canada.
Plasma donation company Grifols has begun a phased resumption of collection activities across its 17 Canadian centres, starting immediately with two locations: one on Innovation Drive in Winnipeg and one on Currents Drive in Edmonton. The reopening was announced on Tuesday, October 20, 2026, following a pause in all paid plasma collection that began in mid-August 2026.
Grifols paused operations in Canada on August 14, 2026, the same day Health Canada issued a non-compliance rating at its Taylor Avenue clinic in Winnipeg. According to Health Canada, the Taylor Avenue clinic did not carry out sufficient corrective and preventive actions, failed to always follow operating procedures, and had insufficient records of staff qualifications and training. The licence for the Taylor Avenue site remains suspended, and terms and conditions imposed on Grifols' licence for its other 16 sites remain in place until sustained compliance is demonstrated.
The operational hiatus followed intense public scrutiny. CBC News reported that two people died after donating plasma at different Grifols clinics in Winnipeg in October 2025 and January 2026. Additionally, a Health Canada inspection found multiple issues with donor screening and supervision, noting six serious adverse reactions reported at Grifols centres since 2018.
In response to these challenges, Grifols has implemented strengthened operating procedures and employee training. As of September 1, 2026, the company assumed full operational control of Canadian Plasma Resources, which had previously managed most of Grifols' donation centres. This centralization of operational control under Grifols is part of the broader effort to ensure compliance and safety.
The reopened locations are operating with reduced daily donor appointments, with plans for a gradual increase as the phased rollout continues under enhanced oversight and inspections by Health Canada. Canadian Blood Services stated that Grifols has taken prudent and effective steps to strengthen processes and appreciated the collaboration with Health Canada to meet growing demand for immunoglobulins.