In 1998 the Canadian government compensated Canadians who had contracted Hepatitis C from blood transfusions. Referred to as 'the tainted blood scandal', many victims were excluded from the $1.1 billion deal in 1998 if they contracted the disease outside the time frame - January 1, 1986 to July 1, 1990 -- of the compensation package. A settlement has been reached and the Canadian government will set aside about $1 billion for people who contracted the virus before Jan. 1, 1986, and after July 1, 1990. Many Hepatitis C victims have already died but their families are entitled to receive some compensation. (Jul-27-06)
[EDMONTON JOURNAL]
UPDATED
Toronto, Canada: (Jun-11-07) A federal class action lawsuit was filed against the government by those infected with Hepatitis C, who contracted the deadly virus from blood transfusions in Canada. The class comprised of all those infected with Hepatitis C from the blood system prior to January 1, 1986, and from July 1, 1990, to September 28, 1998.
In a settlement reached, Tony Clement, Canadian Minister of Health announced that the Court ordered the government to pay a settlement of $1 billion. The compensation fund will be administered by Crawford Class Actions Services, an independent third party at arm's length from the federal government that was selected by the courts. Crawford will provide reports on its activities to the federal government, class counsel and the courts. In 1998, federal, territorial and provincial governments provided compensation to those infected with Hepatitis C through the blood system between January 1, 1986, and July 1, 1990. The government worked to reach a settlement agreement with class counsel that would provide compensation to those Canadians who were excluded from the previous compensation program. [AXCESS NEWS: SETTLEMENT FUND]
