Message from the Honourable Leona Aglukkaq, Minister of Health

National Organ and Tissue Donor Week

April 22 - 28, 2012

Every year in April, we mark National Organ and Tissue Donor Awareness Week to show our support for the thousands of Canadians waiting for donations. As Minister of Health, I would like to thank the many people who have contributed to the health of their fellow Canadians through their generous act of organ and tissue donation.

Everyone can be considered for organ donation in Canada. Each donor has the potential to save up to eight lives and, through tissue donation, to enhance the lives of up to 75 others. In most provinces, individuals can indicate their wish to become an organ and tissue donor on their health care card or driver's licence. Residents of Nova Scotia, Ontario, and British Columbia can register to be a donor with their provincial donor registry.

In Canada, we are fortunate to have a strong and effective system for organ donation and transplantation. A key part of this system is regulations that are making Canada a model for other countries in terms of standards for the safety of cells, tissues, and organs. We continue to work with other governments, as well as experts and establishments within the transplantation community, to improve donation rates and to minimize the health risks to transplant recipients.

During this special week, I encourage you to consider signing your organ-donor and next-of-kin cards, registering your consent, and sharing your wishes regarding organ and tissue donation with your family.

Your donation could very well save a life.

Leona Aglukkaq
Minister of Health
Government of Canada