Health Care in Canada: For the Love of Strangers

Thanks to the knowledge, abilities and skills of our medical professionals there were 1859 successful transplants in Canada in 2005. There are still many more people on wait lists all over Canada.

Organ Donation
Every province has its own way of keeping track of who wants to be an organ donor. During the window of opportunity, it's the next-of-kin who will give the approval in most provinces, whether you intended to be a donor or not. For this reason, it's vital that you discuss organ donation with your family so that they know your wishes in case of your death. Once you feel your children are old enough, talk about organ donation with them too.

Everyone should consider themselves potential donors, according to the Canadian Association of Transplantation, no matter your age or medical history. Even if your organs can't be used, it's likely that you can be a tissue donor, giving anything from corneas to heart valves to a needy recipient. So make sure to give organ donation serious thought -- you could save lives.

Provincial Guide
Since health care is a provincial matter in Canada, every province has its own ways of handling organ donor registries. Here are the details for each province:

Alberta, Nunavut and Northwest Territories
Alberta does not have an organ donor registry at this time. You can though make your wishes known by signing the back of your health card.

British Columbia
The British Columbia Transplant Society maintains a legally binding organ donor registry. This has replaced all previous methods of indicating intent to donate organs. You can register on the Transplant Society's website.

Manitoba
To become an organ donor in Manitoba, and in addition to informing your family of your wishes, you should sign a donor card and carry it with your health card. Donor cards are available from Manitoba Health's website.

New Brunswick
New Medicare cards have your wishes about organ donation clearly displayed; you can make your intent known on your renewal form. If you would like to show your desire to become a donor before your card is up for renewal, contact Service New Brunswick at 1-888-762-8600.

Newfoundland and Labrador
In Newfoundland and Labrador, you can show your wish to be a donor by signing a donor card or indicating your decision on your driver's license. For more information, contact the Department of Health and Community Services.

Nova Scotia
In Nova Scotia you can register your wish for organ and tissue donation on your health card on renewal. You can also call MSI at 1-800-563-8880 and a donor registration form will be mailed to you.

Ontario
In Ontario, you can show your intent to be an organ donor by carrying a signed donor card. Cards are included with new and renewed driver's licenses and available through the Trillium Gift of Life Network at Ministry of Health and Long-Term Care offices and at some Ministry of Transportation offices. You can also register your wishes and have them linked to your health card with the Ministry of Health and Long-Term Care.

Prince Edward Island
According to Info PEI, the province doesn't have an organ donor card. There are a number of ways to make your wishes known, in addition to discussing them with your family:

• You can place a red sticker on your P.E.I. health card. The sticker is mailed to you with your health card renewal form.

• You can have a red heart engraved on your driver's license at the time of renewal. If you have already renewed your driver's license, you can still go to the Ministry of Transportation offices and they will add it for free.

• You can express your wish to donate organs and tissues in writing when preparing your health care directive.

Quebec
Quebec Transplant coordinates organ donation in Quebec. To indicate your willingness to donate organs and tissues in Quebec, obtain a free donation sticker and apply it to your health card. Stickers are available at CLSCs, hospitals or drugstores.

Saskatchewan
To show that you want to become a potential donor in Saskatchewan, place the orange "organ and tissue donor" sticker (included in each health services card package) on your health card.

Yukon
Yukon Health and Social Services offers information on becoming a donor on its website.

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