Bill C-234 Living Donor Recognition

Read Full Bill Text Here

C-234 An Act Respecting the Establishment and Award of a Living Donor Recognition Medal

Short Title: Living Donor Recognition Medal Act

Bill Type: Private Member’s Bill

Bill Sponsor: Ziad Aboultaif (Edmonton Manning)

Status: Passed by the House of Commons — April 22, 2026. Awaiting Senate. This Bill hasn't passed yet.

How would YOU vote? Scroll down to vote and comment below.

WHO GAINS POWER

  • The Governor in Council (Cabinet) gains authority to designate a Minister responsible for the Medal
  • The Governor in Council sets the design of the Medal and its ribbon
  • The Governor in Council writes the eligibility rules — including who qualifies and which organizations can assess eligibility
  • The Governor General awards the Medal
  • A public servant at the Office of the Governor General's Secretary decides whether each ceremony is public and who presents the Medal

WHO LOSES POWER

  • Individual living donors have no say in how eligibility is defined — that is set entirely by regulation, which Cabinet can change at any time without a vote
  • ⚠️ Eligibility criteria are not defined in the Act — the Governor in Council sets them by regulation and can change them at any time without returning to Parliament

WHO GAINS MONEY

  • No direct financial benefit created by this Act
  • Organizations prescribed by regulation to assess eligibility or present the Medal may receive associated administrative funding — but this is not specified in the Act

WHO LOSES MONEY

  • No direct cost mechanism in the Act
  • Administrative costs (Medal design, production, ceremonies) fall to the federal government — amounts unspecified

THE CATCH

  • "Organ" is defined broadly to include blood and bone marrow — not just solid organs like kidneys or livers
  • The Medal can only be awarded once per person, regardless of how many donations they make
  • Recipients may use the post-nominal letters "L.D.M." after their name
  • ⚠️ No eligibility criteria are written into the Act — everything is left to regulation, meaning the standard for who qualifies can shift without Parliamentary debate
  • The Governor General retains full prerogative over the Medal independent of this Act

Source: Bill C-234 — Living Donor Recognition Medal Act, 45th Parliament, 1st Session