BILL 56

Organ and Tissue Donation Strategy Act

WHEREAS organ and tissue donation from eligible individuals to eligible recipients is necessary for saving and prolonging life;

WHEREAS organ donation is changing lives for the better in Canada and around the world; and

WHEREAS education is key to promoting awareness, and awareness can lead to greater numbers of individuals consenting to organ and tissue donation;

THEREFORE, Her Majesty, by and with the advice and consent of the Legislative Assembly of New Brunswick, enacts as follows:

1                  Within one year after the coming into force of this Act, the Minister of Health shall table in the Legislative Assembly an Organ and Tissue Donation Strategy which includes:

(a)          results of collaboration with essential stakeholders, including but not limited to the Canadian Blood Services, the Canadian Transplant Association and the New Brunswick Medical Society;

(b)          strengthened public awareness materials, including but not limited to enhanced availability of information on the websites of Service New Brunswick and the Department of Health, and of materials within schools, hospitals and other centres of service operated by the Government of New Brunswick;

(c)          the steps taken by the Regional Health Authorities to ensure that organ and tissue donation is promoted within their facilities and communities.