Ottawa, ON
Canada
Canadian Blood Services Head Office Herderkingsboom aan Canada's Besmet Bloed Tragedie sinds 26 November 2007
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Lest we forget, the Canadian Hemophilia Society has initiated the process to hold a Commemoration of the Tainted Blood Tragedy.
In the 1980s, more than 1,100 Canadians were infected by HIV through blood and blood products. 700 received blood products to treat hemophilia and other bleeding disorders; 400 received transfusions for trauma, surgery, childbirth, cancer and other diseases. Three-quarters of these victims have passed away.
A much larger number of people – up to 20,000 – were infected with the hepatitis C virus (HCV) through blood and blood products before testing was introduced in 1990. The number of people who have died from hepatitis C related liver disease caused by tainted blood is not known but could be in the thousands, and continues to rise.
The concept of the “Tree of Life” has been chosen for the Commemoration. The tree is an important symbol in almost every culture. With its branches reaching into the sky, and roots deep into the earth, a tree symbolizes life.
To launch the Commemoration, the first Tree of Life in what the Canadian Hemophilia Society hopes will become a small memorial forest across the country was planted at the Head Office of Canadian Blood Services in Ottawa. A tree and memorial plaque will stand as a permanent reminder of the tragedy in the nation’s capital.
Trees of life will also be planted in provincial capitals and an invitation will be extended to those who have lost loved ones to plant trees on municipal land, in public parks or on their own properties.
The Tree of Life at the Canadian Blood Services in Ottawa most probably is a red-leaved Norway maple, Acer platanoides 'Crimson King'.

Canadian Hemophilia Society