Canadian Blood Services is advancing Canada’s blood system resilience
June 11, 2026 (Ottawa, ON) - Canadian Blood Services is advancing a major future-shaping initiative, transforming its products and services to become more agile and resilient through innovation and collaboration.
Building on a long-standing partnership with the Canadian Armed Forces (CAF), Canadian Blood Services has received federal funding and been asked to explore new ways to further support Canadian Forces Health Services and Health Emergency Readiness Canada in strengthening Canada’s emergency preparedness and health system resilience to ensure timely action and sustained operational readiness in both civilian and military settings.
“As part of Canada’s national critical infrastructure, Canadian Blood Services plays a vital role in ensuring patients in this country have access to the products and services they need, when they need them,” said Dr. Graham Sher, Chief Executive Officer of Canadian Blood Services. “With this new investment, we are building on our current responsibilities, enhancing our ability to support people in Canada in everyday care while strengthening preparedness for both domestic emergencies and military operations.”
At a time when health systems around the world are facing increasing complexity and uncertainty, this initiative reflects a proactive approach to ensuring Canadians are supported in any scenario.
This investment is part of Canada’s broader efforts to strengthen domestic capacity and critical systems.
Building Resilience for Any Circumstance
Canadian Blood Services will focus on expanding its capabilities across three key areas:
- Developing a more resilient blood component portfolio
Advancing new and innovative blood components designed for use when the system needs to quickly surge to meet new needs, and use in remote and challenging environments, including natural disasters, military operations, and other situations where care must reach people quickly, no matter the setting. - Stronger emergency preparedness and supply chain resilience
Enabling greater agility within the blood system, so that the system is flexible and positioned to adapt rapidly to changing needs. - Expanded wound care capabilities
Building on Canadian Blood Services’ role as the national coordinating body for organ and tissue donation and transplantation in Canada, developing a plan for integrated, sustainable domestic infrastructure for a secure, national inventory of high quality and safe skin grafts and alternatives for the treatment of burn injuries and complex wounds.
As the system evolves to prepare for the future, growing a strong and diverse donor base will continue to be essential to ensuring every patient is supported. This will take collective action, with more people across Canada choosing to become donors to be part of something bigger – supporting patients they may never meet but helping to strengthen the system that serves everyone.
“Everything within this initiative is designed with dual benefits in mind, serving both civilians and the military. This work will strengthen the system’s ability to meet existing needs while adeptly preparing for emerging ones,” said Dr. Sher.
Canadian Blood Services is uniquely positioned to deliver on this enhanced mandate, with decades of experience managing national supply chains, responding to emergencies, and supporting patients across jurisdictions.
“With a presence across the country and a clear focus on serving patients, we are ready to advance this important next phase – strengthening Canada’s ability to respond in any circumstance,” said Dr. Sher. “This is not a change in direction; rather it is a natural acceleration of the work we already do to match every patient with the products and services they need.”
The initiative will strengthen the system’s ability to prepare for rising demand and reinforce supply chain resilience, while continuing to grow the donor base needed to support Canada’s evolving health system.
Community impact and meaningful connection
For decades, the Canadian Armed Forces has been a vital partner in Canada’s blood system—a collaboration rooted in a shared commitment to supporting patients and saving lives. CAF members are among Canada’s most dedicated blood and plasma donors. Since 2006, they have contributed more than 70,000 donations to the national blood supply.
“While demand for blood and blood products continues to grow, only a small percentage of eligible Canadians currently donate,” said Dr. Sher. “There is an opportunity for more people to get involved, and to experience the profound feeling of purpose one gets from donating blood or plasma.”
This week (June 8-14) is National Blood Donor Week. At a time of growing Canadian pride, National Blood Donor Week serves as a reminder of what is possible when people give back to their community.
As Canada strengthens its health system for the future, a strong and diverse donor base will be critical to ensuring every patient is supported. Donating blood and plasma remains a powerful way that people support one another across the country. In fact, new survey data from Canadian Blood Services reveals that, for Canadians, donating blood isn't just an act of health, it's an act of patriotism.
Donating blood or plasma is about the feeling you get when you give — feelings of connection, purpose, and impact. Experience what you get when you give, and plan to donate today. Visit blood.ca, download the GiveBlood app or call 1-888-2-DONATE to book an appointment to donate blood or plasma.
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