The University of Ottawa has accepted a role as part of an agreement filed in Ontario Superior Court on May 30, 2005. In the agreement, the Canadian Red Cross filed a plea of guilty to a regulatory charge under the Food and Drugs Act for the distribution of blood products infected with the human immunodeficiency virus and the hepatitis C virus.
The Canadian Red Cross has agreed to donate $750,000 to a scholarship fund that will be administered by the University of Ottawa for students whose lives or families have been affected by the distribution of infected blood or blood products. While the University of Ottawa will hold the contribution in its endowment, students at any Canadian post-secondary institution will be eligible to apply.
The Canadian Red Cross is also contributing $750,000 to the National Medical Error Project at the University of Ottawa, as a memorial intended to enhance public good and honour those who suffered from the distribution of infected blood. Building on the work of a number of researchers at the University, the project will benefit from an additional $500,000 over five years under the Canada Research Chair program.
“Our institution is proud to be part of this unique restorative justice initiative,” said Gilles G. Patry, University of Ottawa president and vice-chancellor. “It’s our hope that the scholarships we administer and the work of our researchers will result in some positive impact from a tragic situation.”
