Canadian Blood Services is moving to end a ban preventing gay and bisexual men from donating blood.
A recommendation is expected to come within weeks and will be replaced by new screening criteria.
The criteria will focus on sexual behaviour, not orientation.
Canada introduced a lifetime donation ban for gay men in 1992. The ban was modified over the years but still created barriers.
Currently, men volunteering to give blood are asked if they have had sex with a man in the last three months.
Health Canada will need to approve the move which could take up to a year.