A researcher is recommending a price tag be attached to Canadians’ kidneys.

Dr. Braden Manns of the Libin Cardiovascular Institute of Alberta and Institute for Public Health suggests organ donors should receive financial compensation.

In his October study, he surveyed more than 2,500 Canadian public health professionals and people affected by kidney disease.

His questionnaire found 70 per cent of respondents found financial incentives to be acceptable for deceased donors, and 40 per cent agreed it was okay for living donors.

Studies are now being done to determine whether that can translate into more available organs.

Director for the Centre for Professional and Applied Ethics at the University of Manitoba, Arthur Schafer, says no; he calls the idea troubling and one that should be discarded.

“We need more generosity and altruism in society and what we have to figure out is how effectively to approach families,” says Schafer.

He feels a cash incentive would divide professionals and people waiting for a transplant.

“It’s not the gift of life anymore and the experience of countries that pay for blood has been very similar,” he explains. “When you start paying for blood you get a lot of impoverished and alcoholic people donating while others stop.”

Last year, 285 Canadians died while waiting for a suitable organ; about 40 of those were in Alberta.