Ontarians Continue to Show Interest in Organ and Tissue Donation Through Innovative Tax Return Collaboration

More than 1.7 million Ontarians have taken an important step toward saving and improving lives by opting in to receive information about organ and tissue donation through their annual income tax return.

Through an innovative collaboration between the Canada Revenue Agency (CRA) and Trillium Gift of Life Network (TGLN), taxpayers can indicate on their federal tax return that they want to learn more about organ and tissue donation. Those who consented on their 2024 tax return will soon receive a one-time email from TGLN with information on how to register as an organ and tissue donor.

“Organ and tissue donation is one of the most profound gifts a person can give, and this collaboration with the Canada Revenue Agency allows us to reach Ontarians in a broad and powerful way,” says Janet MacLean, Interim Vice President, TGLN. “Transplantation can give people back their life, and by registering your donation wishes, you make it easier for your loved ones to honour your choice. Registering goes beyond individual action – it’s about joining a community that recognizes donation as the ultimate gift at the end of life.

Important notes for taxpayers:

• One-time only: The CRA-facilitated email will only be sent once per year. Ontarians must provide consent each year when filing their tax return if they wish to receiving this communication again.
• Tax professional filing: If a tax preparer completed your return, they may have indicated your consent on your behalf. This means you could receive the TGLN email even if you did not select the option yourself.
• Not registration: Checking the box on the tax return is not the same as registering as a donor. The email from TGLN will include instructions on how to formally register.

For double-lung recipient Alexander, the impact of donation is immeasurable:

“Before I received the gift of life, I’d forgotten what it was like to feel well,” he recalls. After living with cystic fibrosis for decades, Alexander received a double-lung transplant that transformed his everyday reality. “Going from not being able to walk 15 feet to exercising without oxygen, to walking my dog, to swimming in my pool… it’s incredible. There’s not a day that passes that I’m not grateful and that I don’t think about my donor. Choosing to donate is a selfless act, one that can give someone another tomorrow and give the people who love them more time together.”

For more information about organ and tissue donation and transplantation in Ontario or to register your decision, please visit beadonor.ca.

Background and Quick Facts

• In 2021, the Canadian Parliament passed Bill C-210, amending the Canada Revenue Agency Act to support organ and tissue donation across Canada.
• Ontario was the first jurisdiction to implement the initiative, beginning with the 2022 tax year.
• Currently, more than 1,600 Ontarians are waiting for a life-saving organ transplant, while thousands more await tissue transplants.
• Every three days someone in Ontario dies waiting for an organ.
• While 90% of Ontarians support organ donation, only one in three are registered.
• Anyone 16 years or older with a valid Ontario health card can register at any ServiceOntario location or online at beadonor.ca.