More than 4,000 Canadians are currently waiting for a lifesaving organ transplant

One organ donor can save up to eight lives

Donation after death and living donation are both possible

There are no costs associated with being an organ donor

Organ donation is carried out ethically and respectfully

More than 2,200 solid organ transplants are performed in Canada every year

More than 4,000 Canadians are currently waiting for a lifesaving organ transplant One organ donor can save up to eight lives Donation after death and living donation are both possible There are no costs associated with being an organ donor Organ donation is carried out ethically and respectfully More than 2,200 solid organ transplants are performed in Canada every year

One donor can improve the lives of up to 75 more people

Less than 25% of Canadians are registered organ donors

90% of Canadians say they support organ donation

The oldest Canadian organ donor was 92 and the oldest tissue donor was 104

Organ donation does not affect funeral arrangements

Only 1-2% of Canadians who die are eligible to be deceased organ donors

One donor can improve the lives of up to 75 more people Less than 25% of Canadians are registered organ donors 90% of Canadians say they support organ donation The oldest Canadian organ donor was 92 and the oldest tissue donor was 104 Organ donation does not affect funeral arrangements Only 1-2% of Canadians who die are eligible to be deceased organ donors

Anyone can be a potential organ or tissue donor

The need for organ transplants is growing as the poulation ages

Donation is a safe process for living donors

Registering as an organ donor is easy

There are no religious restrictions on organ donation

Over 4000 Canadians are on the organ waitlist

Anyone can be a potential organ or tissue donor The need for organ transplants is growing as the poulation ages Donation is a safe process for living donors Registering as an organ donor is easy There are no religious restrictions on organ donation Over 4000 Canadians are on the organ waitlist

  • Organ donation is the process of giving an organ (like a kidney, heart, or liver) to someone who needs it for a transplant.

  • Tissue donation involves donating tissues like skin, bone, or corneas for various medical procedures.

  • Almost anyone can be a potential organ or tissue donor, regardless of age, medical history, or sexual orientation. A medical professional will assess each potential donor on a case-by-case basis to determine suitability.

  • There are currently over 4,000 Canadians waiting for a lifesaving organ transplant, and hundreds die each year while waiting.

  • One organ donor can save up to eight lives, and tissue and eye donations can improve the lives of up to 75 more people.

  • No, registration indicates your wish to be a donor. Only 1-2% of Canadians who die are eligible to be deceased organ donors. A medical professional will ultimately determine if your organs are suitable for transplant at the time of death. Your family will also be consulted to confirm your wishes.

  • Yes, living donation is possible for certain organs like a kidney, part of your liver, or a lung lobe.

  • No, your provincial healthcare system covers all donation expenses.

  • Hospital staff will approach your family to discuss organ donation. They will explain the process and answer any questions they may have. Ultimately, the decision rests with your next-of-kin.

  • No, organ donation does not affect your ability to have an open-casket funeral. The surgery to remove organs and tissues is done with respect and care.

  • You should register to be a donor regardless of your medical condition. Medical professionals will assess your suitability on a case-by-case basis.

  • Most religions support organ donation as a way to help others. If you have concerns, it's always best to consult with your religious leader.

  • Yes, you can reverse your decision to be a donor at any time through the same way you first registered.

  • In Canada, your family's consent is required for organ donation to proceed. It's important to talk to your family about your wishes to become a donor.

  • Anybody of any age can donate.

Learn more and register in your province