Message From Tony Clement, Minister Of Health For National Organ And Tissue Donor Week, April 22-29, 2007 - Canada

Main Category: Transplants / Organ Donations
Article Date: 23 Apr 2007 - 13:00 PDT

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National Organ and Tissue Donor Awareness week is a time to show our support for the thousands of Canadians waiting for organ donations. As well, it is a special time dedicated to recognizing the important contributions of organ and tissue donors in Canada.

In Canada, we are fortunate to have a strong and effective system for organ donation and transplantation. Thanks to our Safety of Human Cells, Tissues, and Organs for Transplantation Regulations, Canada is becoming recognized as a world leader in the safety of cells, tissues and organs.

Later this year, Health Canada will publish the final version of these standard-based regulations. This regulatory initiative's purpose is to minimize the potential health risks to recipients by ensuring safety in the processing and handling of cells, tissues and organs. I would like to thank the many stakeholders who were involved in developing these regulations.

Organ and tissue donations can be made by almost anyone. 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.

During this special week, I encourage Canadians to take a moment to think of the many Canadians who have donated organs and tissues to save others. I also encourage all Canadians to consider signing their organ donor cards. Your donation could very well safe a life.

Tony Clement
Minister of Health
Government of Canada
Health Canada

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