TORONTO - Signing up to be an organ donor in Ontario can now be done with the click of a mouse.
Those who want to register as an organ or tissue donor can go to a new website -- BeADonor.ca.
Previously, those who wanted to register had to go to a ServiceOntario centre or download a Gift of Life consent form and mail it in.
Many people still carry a signed donor card in their wallets but officials say these cards are out of date and don't prove the donor is registered.
The Trillium Gift of Life Network, an Ontario government agency, says each donor could save up to eight lives.
Ontario's health minister says more than 1,500 people are currently on waiting lists for such transplants.
"As long as people are waiting for organs and tissue donations, it's important that we make registering to become an organ and tissue donor as quick and easy as possible," Deb Matthews said Tuesday.
Less than 20 per cent of those eligible have registered their consent to donate organs and tissue, according to the provincial agency.
However, it says, more than 80 per cent say they believe it's important to give consent to donate in advance of their death.
Information given by those who register will be stored in a secure Ministry of Health and Long-Term Care database, health officials said. It can later be made available to families of a potential donor so they can be aware of the person's wishes.
