Check the box, save a life

Hundreds of Albertans are waiting for life-saving organ or tissue transplants. By making it easier to learn more about donation, Alberta's government is helping raise awareness and potentially increasing the number of registered donors across the province.

Starting with the 2025 tax year, Alberta's T1 tax form will include a check box that allows Albertans to ask for more information about organ and tissue donation. Those who check the box will receive an email from the provincial government with details about how donation works in Alberta and how to register their wishes.

"This simple step can help save lives. The more Albertans who register, the more patients and families can hold on to hope for a second chance. We hope this change encourages more Albertans to start the conversation and register their wishes."
Adriana LaGrange, Minister of Health

This initiative builds on Bill C-210, introduced by former Alberta MLA and member of Parliament Len Webber. The bill, which received royal assent in June 2021, allows provinces to add a donation information check box to federal tax forms. Alberta is following the lead of British Columbia and Ontario. Ontario has seen a 32 per cent increase in registrations since adding the check box.

In addition, organ and tissue donation programming will now fall under Acute Care Alberta, ensuring provincewide coordination and enhancing the efficiency of the donation and transplant system.

Alberta's government is committed to raising awareness about organ and tissue donation. Albertans can learn more about organ and tissue donation, and register their wishes on the Alberta Organ and Tissue Donation Registry at GiveLifeAlberta.ca.

Quick facts

• 899,868 Albertans have registered their consent to become an organ and tissue donor as of April 28.
• One organ donor can save up to eight lives, while one tissue donor can improve the lives of up to 75 people.
• The Human Tissue and Organ Donation Act governs the organ and tissue donation and transplant system in Alberta.
• There are strict security measures around the transfer of email addresses from the Canada Revenue Agency to a provincial government.

Related news

• Advancing cancer care and organ tissue services (April 8, 2025)
• Specialist donor physicians to help save lives (May 9, 2022)
• Expanding the organ and tissue registry (July 13, 2020)