Public Involvement

“The public must have access to information about the policy, management and operations of the blood supply system and be represented in the decision making.”

Justice Horace Krever
Commission of Inquiry on the Blood System in Canada (Krever Commission)
November, 1997

Since its inception in September 1998, Canadian Blood Services has been committed to operating in an open and collaborative manner with Canadians. We firmly believe that involving the public in our decision-making is essential to restoring Canadians’ faith in the blood system.

Public involvement can happen in a number of different ways.

• It may be that you have questions that you would like us to answer.
• It could be that you have views that you want us to understand.
• You may want to be a part of a larger dialogue on a specific issue.
• Or we may want to find out what you think on something we are considering.

In March 2000, the Canadian Blood Services Board of Directors established a Public Participation Task Force (PPTF) to make recommendations on ensuring effective public participation. The Canadian Blood Services Board of Directors responded to the Task Force by launching a number of public involvement initiatives.

The following is a list of some initiatives we have taken since 1998. This is by no means an exhaustive list as public involvement is a continuum at Canadian Blood Services:

Board Members	Consensus Conferences
Open Board Meetings	Provincial/Territorial Blood Reference Groups
Web site	Special Advisory Committees
Toll-Free Phone Line	Freedom of Information and Protection of Personal Information Policy
Public Consultations	National Liaison Committee
Donor Advisory Panel	Community Liaison Committees

Canadian Blood Services is working hard to strengthen our capacity to inform, educate, involve, and partner. We believe that in learning from each other, we can build a better blood system for Canadians. We’re listening and we want your feedback.