The City of Hamilton is one step closer to prohibiting private operators from running plasma collection centres in Hamilton.

The Voluntary Blood Donations Act bans the practice, however, there is an exemption for companies that have been contracted out to fulfill orders on the blood authority’s behalf.

In this case, Grifols, a Spanish-based multinational healthcare company, would operate the clinic on Canada Blood Service’s behalf.

It already has 10 pay-for-plasma locations across Canada, however, none of them are in Ontario.

During Monday’s Public Health Committee meeting, a number of delegates spoke in support of paid-for plasma clinics and banning the clinics.

Kat Lanteigne was one of those against. She’s the co-founder of Bloodwatch, an advocacy group that aims to keep the country’s blood supply public.

She says the deal between CBS and Grifols does not serve Canadian patients.

“The premise that this Grifols deal will secure our blood supply is an absolute sham. There are no federal or provincial laws that restrict the company from exporting our life saving resources and the contract CBS has signed with Grifols has absolutely no teeth.”

The motion ultimately passed 13 to zero.

The motion will be up for full ratification at next week’s council meeting

READ MORE: Plasma supply dwindling, Canadian Blood Services in talks about paid donations