Hemophilia Ontario’s scholarship and bursary program is named in honour of John Plater, a tireless advocate for people with bleeding disorders and those who were affected by the tainted blood tragedy.
John was born in 1967, and had severe hemophilia A. He contracted HIV from tainted blood, and went on, with many others, to draw attention to the issue of tainted blood. His efforts contributed to the establishment of the Krever Inquiry and compensation for those who were infected with HIV and Hepatitis C. John graduated from Osgoode Hall Law School in 1998, and maintained a legal practice assisting those affected by the tainted blood tragedy.
John served our community through involvement with the Canadian Hemophilia Society and Hemophilia Ontario. He served on many significant committees, including as co-chair of the Ministerial Advisory Council on the Federal Initiative on HIV/AIDS, chair of the Ontario Hepatitis C Task Force and chaired the HIV/AIDS Community Advisory Panel of St. Michael’s Hospital. He was active at Thornbury First Baptist Church, serving as Moderator and chair of the Deacons. John passed away from complications related to HIV/AIDS in 2012.
John was a mentor, friend, leader and hero to many in the bleeding disorder community. This program recognizes and celebrates John’s commitment to our community and to helping others.
