The question of including HIV-infected spouses was given very serious consideration by the government at the time the extraordinary assistance plan was being developed. The terms of reference of the plan remain unchanged.
Only those directly infected with HIV as a result of having received contaminated blood are eligible for assistance but spouses of such persons are ineligible.
The plan was developed in consultation with the Canadian Hemophilia Society and representatives of non-hemophiliac HIV-infected blood transfusion recipients. The plan, which provides $120,000 tax free, is an exceptional response by the federal government.
When the government established the amount payable, it did take into consideration factors such as support of spouses and children. At this time no compensation for spouses is contemplated by the government.
In addition to the assistance already provided by the federal government, a multi-provincial and territorial assistance program was announced in September 1993. It provides financial assistance for life for the person directly infected as well as assistance for spouses and children.