I am pleased to be here today to discuss Bill 29, Human Tissue Donation Act.

I would like to acknowledge the role that both past and present MLAs have played in spurring this legislation forward. I would like to thank them for their dedication to bringing organ and tissue donation into the limelight and for their support as we continue to move forward on this important initiative.

This bill will replace the existing Human Tissue Act.

We heard Members’ concerns about the current act. We want to ensure that a comprehensive process is in place for NWT residents who wish to donate organs and tissues.

The new act will clarify and modernize definitions and processes for human tissue donation and transplantation and provide the framework for NWT residents to consent to donating organs and tissues.

Unlike the current act, the new act will allow for transplants between living bodies and outlines how residents can consent to the donation of their organs and tissues both during life and after death.

We recognize that donation can be a difficult decision for an individual or for a family to make and that the body should be treated with care, respect and dignity throughout the donation process. The new act also sets out fines and jail

time for individuals guilty of selling body parts or benefitting from the donation of organs or tissues.

Although this act will not establish an organ and tissue donation program, it will allow for residents to register their consent to donate tissues and organs after death through an online registry once one has been established.

The department continues to work with the Government of Alberta to make this online consent to donate registry a reality for NWT residents. We believe that having an online consent to donate registry is important in assisting residents to make their wishes to donate known.

However, it’s also important that residents speak with their family and loved ones about their wishes and ask for their support in case they are in a position to donate but are unable to speak for themselves.

We believe that the new act is a much needed step forward for organ and tissue donation here in the Northwest Territories and we want to keep this momentum going.

As we move forward with this legislation and our work with the Government of Alberta to partner on their online registry, the department will be rolling out an awareness campaign to support and promote organ donation by NWT residents.

I would be pleased to answer any questions Members may have. Thank you, Madam Chair.