>>511125648 (OP)Nova Scotia Became the first jurisdiction in North America to introduce a presumed consent model on January 18, 2021. All adults are automatically registered as donors unless they opt out. Fewer than 3% of residents have chosen to opt out under this law.
New Brunswick Passed the Avery’s Law in 2023, adopting presumed consent. The program is slated to launch in 2025, making organ donation the default for adults who do not opt out.
Prince Edward Island In 2024, the legislature passed a non-binding motion directing provincial officials to explore how an opt-out system could be implemented.
Quebec Experts and an all-party committee have advised against adopting presumed consent until system improvements—such as better training and a centralized registry—are in place. No opt-out law has been enacted.
Ontario A private member’s bill (the Peter Kormos Memorial Act) proposing opt-out donation was tabled multiple times but has not passed. The existing system remains opt-in.
Other Provinces and Territories Alberta, British Columbia, Manitoba, Newfoundland and Labrador, Northwest Territories, Nunavut, Saskatchewan, Yukon, and Ontario continue with opt-in registries. Each jurisdiction maintains its own donor registry and policies.