Canadian Organ donors

More than 4,000 Canadians are waiting for an organ transplant to save their lives. Last year, only 1,803 transplants were performed. Many patients remain on waiting lists. Unfortunately, 195 Canadians died while waiting for an organ transplant. Three-quarters of the patients on the list are waiting for a kidney transplant.

In 2001, there were 420 deceased organ donors in Canada for a national rate of 13.5 donors per million population. Most donors (77 per cent) donate more than one organ or tissue. According to the Canadian Organ Replacement Register, death usually results from an intracranial event (49 per cent), such as a stroke, brain aneurysm or cerebral hemorrhage. The second leading cause of death is motor vehicle collision (21 per cent). The average age of donors has increased steadily. In 2000, deceased organ donors ranged in age from under one year to 84 years old, with an average age of 39 years.

Donation matters: demographics and organ transplants in Canada, 2000-2040, a report by David Baxter and Jim Smerdon had some interesting findings. It appears that Canada's low rate of organ donation in comparison to other countries is not a result of lack of generosity or altruism, but because of better health practices. Canada’s risk of death from automobile accidents or gunshot wounds is much lower than the United States. Canadian’s access to excellent health care also lowers the probability of death.

Another report identifies that Spain has a potential donor pool that is approximately 50 per cent greater than Canada's.