This petition aims to change the process for organ donation in Ontario.  In Ontario, those wishing to donate their organs must register consent online at www.beadonor.ca or at a Service Ontario location when renewing their driver’s license or health card.  This is referred to as “opt-in” donation.  

Canada-wide statistics show that in 2023, there were 3247 patients waiting for a donor organ, while the number of patients who died or withdrew from the organ recipient program was 681.  The demand for donor organs outstrips the current need.  

Public polling has shown that close to 90% of Canadians are in support of organ and tissue donation, but only a small fraction of that, 32%, have actually registered as potential donors.  

In 2021, Nova Scotia was the first jurisdiction in North America to introduce what is called “presumed consent”.  This means that all people in Nova Scotia will be considered organ donors unless they wish to “opt out”.  This, along with policy changes, has resulted in a large increase in the availability of organs and tissues for transplant.  This petition proposes that Ontario follow the same forward-thinking approach as Nova Scotia and switch to “presumed consent” or an “opt-out” organ donation policy.