Honourable senators, I would like to echo the words of Senator Mercer from yesterday. Many of us have family members who have required life-saving blood transfusions, and some of us in this chamber have required them, so National Blood Donor Week hits close to home.

Having a safe, sufficient and predictable national blood system is important to support people in need. Following the tainted blood crisis some 20 years ago, many restrictions were placed on potential donors. For example, I was not eligible to give blood following my cancer diagnosis and treatment. Today, a person cancer-free for five years can now donate their blood, and progress to open up eligibility to donate continues.

Men who have sex with men were previously ineligible to give blood. As research has evolved, the so-called ban has been nearly eliminated. I know many gay men who are eager to help their fellow Canadians, so I sincerely hope that research soon reflects that and allows this population to contribute as well.

Canadians are regularly encouraged by Canadian Blood Services to visit voluntary blood donor clinics, although they are now competing with cash-for-blood clinics that have opened in two provinces. In a plea from CBS earlier this week, an additional 44,000 donors are needed right now to replenish the critically low supply heading into the July long weekend. According to CBS, one in every two Canadians are eligible to donate blood; however, only one in 60 do.

Our humanity always emerges in terrible situations, such as the Humboldt bus crash or the van attack in Toronto. People come out in droves to roll up their sleeves and donate blood to support victims. It’s important to draw attention to these selfless acts at times of crisis. However, we need our fellow Canadians to donate regularly. A sufficient national supply of blood and plasma is literally a life or death situation.

So, this is National Blood Donor Week and I’m encouraging my Senate colleagues, Senate staff and all Canadians to do just that: to donate. One weekend every couple of months, if you are eligible, instead of going to the mall, watching a movie or getting your nails done, spend a few hours at the local blood donor clinic and engage in the most selfless of acts, giving blood.

Thank you.