O'Toole calls for end to 'unfair and discriminatory' blood donation ban for gay and bisexual men

Conservative Party Leader Erin O'Toole is seeking to end the ban on blood donations from gay and bisexual men.

O'Toole called the barring of gay men from blood donations "unfair and discriminatory," saying that it is wrong to "turn away good people because of their sexuality."

O'Toole's response came after openly gay Conservative MP Eric Duncan released a video telling his story and promoting his campaign to end the blood ban.

Gay and bisexual men were outright banned from donating blood between 1992 and 2013 after nearly 1,100 Canadians receiving blood transfusions were infected with HIV. Another 20,000 were infected with hepatitis C, as screening methods for the virus were limited.

Canada's policy on gay and bisexual blood donations have changed since then, however, with the Harper government shifting to allow donations from those who have not had sex with men in five years, and the Trudeau Liberals shortening that period down to three months.

Prime Minister Trudeau has previously touted his government has funded various projects to find scientific data to support the elimination of the ban, saying that the "finish line" is in sight.