The third week in April every year marks National Organ and Tissue Donation Awareness Week. It is a time to remind us of the critical need for organ and tissue donations. These donations can help the over 4,500 people waiting for a life-saving transplant in Canada today.
Despite this great need, only a fraction of Canadians are registered to donate. It only takes a few minutes to register to become an organ and tissue donor. In those few minutes, the opportunity to give the gift of life could be yours. I encourage you to take the time this week to register as a donor and to discuss becoming an organ donor with your family and friends. Loved ones are always asked before donation happens, so it's important that they know your wishes.
The Government of Canada supports organ and tissue donation and transplantation. To assist people interested in registering as an organ or tissue donor, the Government has created a page on the Healthy Canadian's website to raise awareness of this important issue. This page provides information about organ and tissue donation in Canada, as well as an interactive map to help Canadians contact their provincial/territorial organizations to register as a donor.
Life is the most precious gift you can give to those in need. I encourage all Canadians to talk with their family and friends about the decision to become an organ donor.
The Honourable Rona Ambrose
Minister of Health
