Toronto, ON – Over 2.1 million Ontarians now have an easier way to learn the important role they can play to save and improve lives.
With the launch of an innovative collaboration between the provincial and federal governments, Ontario taxpayers can now indicate their interest to learn more about organ and tissue donation and transplantation. Through a question that first appeared on the 2022 T1 General tax return, Ontario taxpayers who consent will receive an email from Ontario Health (Trillium Gift of Life Network) with more information. The goal of this initiative is to raise public awareness and increase donor registrations.
Beginning this week, over 2.1 million Ontario taxpayers who consented when they filed their 2022 and 2023 taxes will receive an email communication from Ontario Health (TGLN) that includes information about how to register as a potential donor.
“This initiative is an incredible opportunity for Ontarians to learn more about the importance of organ and tissue donation and the lives that can be saved and improved by transplantation,” says Rebecca Cooper, Vice President, Ontario Renal Network and TGLN. “Our goal is to increase donor registrations and ensure that individuals are openly speaking with their family about their wishes. Partnering with the Canadian Revenue Agency allows us to reach a large number of individuals with our message so they may make informed decisions and will be inspired to register as organ and tissue donors.”
Transplant recipient Shilpa Raju knows first-hand the life-saving power of donation. “The little things like running for the bus, and big things like pursuing a career or getting married; I never forget that I wouldn’t be doing any of this without my donor. My lung donor and their family – they’re the reason I’m still here. The impact of one person’s choice is transformative, and it’s a butterfly effect. Anything I do or accomplish is bigger than me.”
For more information about organ and tissue donation and transplantation in Ontario, please visit www.beadonor.ca
Background and Quick Facts:
- In 2021, the Canadian House of Commons and Senate passed Bill C-210 43-2): An Act to amend the Canada Revenue Agency Act (organ and tissue donors), to support organ and tissue donation and transplantation across Canada.
- Ontario is one of the first jurisdictions to launch this initiative.
- One organ donor can save up to eight lives and enhance the lives of up to 75 others through tissue donation.
- On average, 1,400 people in Ontario are waiting for a lifesaving organ and thousands more are in need of a transformative tissue transplant.
- Every three days someone dies while they wait for their gift of life.
- While 90% of residents indicating support for organ and tissue donation, only one in three Ontarians are registered organ and tissue donors.
- Anyone 16 years or older with a valid Ontario health card can register – either in person at any ServiceOntario location or online at beadonor.ca.
- Talk to your family about your donation decision and visit Beadonor.ca
Media Contact:
Ontario Health
mediainquiries@ontariohealth.ca