Funerals in Canada must adhere to specific rules and regulations determined by provincial and territorial government bodies and funeral organizations. These organizations aim to provide accurate information and ensure the rights of funeral providers and consumers are recognized and respected. Below is a list of the different government bodies found in each province and territory in Canada.
For fast access, click the shortcut links below by province and territory:
- British Columbia
- Alberta
- Saskatchewan
- Manitoba
- Ontario
- Quebec
- New Brunswick
- Nova Scotia
- Prince Edward Island (PEI)
- Newfoundland and Labrador
- Nunavut
- Northwest Territories
- Yukon
British Columbia
Consumer Protection BC governs funeral rights in British Columbia. This organization regulates several sectors and types of consumer transactions in the province. Its purpose is to license and inspect businesses, uphold consumer protection laws, and educate consumers and businesses on their rights and responsibilities.
Consumer Protection BC is also responsible for administering certain acts in the province, including the Cremation, Interment and Funeral Services Act. This act is split into 15 parts and discusses topics such as body disposition, exhumation, general duties, internment, and more.
Alberta
Funeral services in Alberta must adhere to the laws outlined by the Funeral Services Act and filed as Alberta Regulations under the Regulations Act. The act is split into six parts and discusses the following topics:
- Funeral services contracts
- Director and inspector
- Regulatory board
- Powers of the Minister
- General provisions
- Transitional provisions
The Alberta Funeral Services Regulatory Board (AFSRB) monitors and enforces the laws outlined in the Funeral Services Act. The mission of AFSRB is to promote trust and confidence in Alberta funeral service professionals, protect consumer rights, improve professionalism, maintain standards, and enforce fair business practices. AFSRB tries to achieve its mission by engaging in two strategies:
- Promoting consumer protection in a fair and informed marketplace.
- Maintaining vigilance over the industry.
Saskatchewan
The Funeral and Cremation Services Council of Saskatchewan (FCSCS) regulates funeral services in Saskatchewan. The council is responsible for administering and setting the standard of practice for funeral providers in the province and dealing with matters of consumer protection and investigation of public complaints. The FSCSC also includes provincial legislation outlined in the Funeral and Cremation Services Act. The act discusses licensing, prepaid contracts, body disposition, interment, etc.
Manitoba
In Manitoba, funeral regulations used to be managed by the Funeral Board of Manitoba. However, as of March 2022, the board was dissolved, and its responsibility was handed over to the Consumer Protection Office.
The Consumer Protection Office governs consumer protection legislation in the province. Funeral regulations are administered according to The Funeral Directors and Embalmers Act, The Cemeteries Act, the Prearranged Funeral Services Act, and the Grieving Families Protection Act.
Ontario
The Bereavement Authority of Ontario (BAO) regulates funeral industry matters in Ontario. The BAO is a government delegated organization (not a government entity) in charge of handling funeral rights and regulations under the provisions of the Funeral, Burial, and Cremation Services Act. The BAO is responsible for protecting the public interest and regulating and supporting licensed funeral providers.
The Funeral, Burial, and Cremation Services Act provides provincial funeral services regulations. It discusses topics such as licensing, consumer protection, code of ethics, interment, etc.
Quebec
Funeral regulations in Quebec are governed predominantly by the Consumer Protection Act. The Consumer Protection Act protects consumers dealing with businesses, including funeral providers, by requiring merchants to be honest and fair with all matters and contracts. Other funeral matters, such as pre-arrangements and interments, are handled in accordance with the Act Respecting Arrangements for Funeral Services and Sepultures.
New Brunswick
In New Brunswick, the Financial and Consumer Services Commission governs consumer affairs, including funeral rights and regulations. The organization is there to ensure consumer protection through licensing, regulations, enforcement, and administration. It also investigates and helps to resolve consumer complaints.
Much of the funeral rights in the province are handled according to the Pre-arranged Funerals Act of 2012. The act outlines how prearranged funeral contracts are made to help ensure consumer money is protected. Funeral regulations must also adhere to the Financial and Consumer Service Commission Act.
Nova Scotia
Funeral rights in Nova Scotia are governed by the Nova Scotia Board of Registration of Embalmers and Funeral Directors. The board’s goal is to protect the rights and interests of the public and consumers. It does this by ensuring directors and embalmers adhere to the Embalmers and Funeral Directors Act and the Cemetery and Funeral Services Act administered by the provincial government.
The Embalmers and Funeral Directors Act outlines the regulations that directors and embalmers must follow, including apprenticeships, examination, licensing, etc. The Cemetery and Funeral Services Act touches on purchase agreements, pre-arrangements, interment, cemeteries, etc.
Prince Edward Island
Funeral rights in Prince Edward Island are regulated by the Prince Edward Island Funeral Services and Professions Board. The board’s goal is to protect the public’s interest, facilitate apprenticeship training, ensure funeral homes comply with funeral laws, provide education, etc.
The board also ensures that funeral providers follow provincial legislation outlined in the Funeral Services and Professions act. The act outlines regulations for licensing, apprenticeships, body preparation, transportation, and more.
Learn more about the Prince Edward Island Funeral Services and Professions board on the official website: http://peifuneralboard.com/board.
Newfoundland and Labrador
Funeral rights in Newfoundland and Labrador are governed by the Embalmers and Funeral Directors Board, which operates under Service NL’s jurisdiction and its Minister’s jurisdiction. The board’s responsibilities consist mainly of licensing, regulations, and education relating to the province’s funeral directors, embalmers, and funeral homes.
The organization enforces laws under the Embalmers and Funeral Directors Act. The act discusses regulations such as permits, licensing, examination, embalmer apprenticeships, and more. Other acts considered by the board include the Prepaid Funeral Services Act, Health and Community Services Act, and Human Tissue Act.
Yukon
The Yukon does not have many laws and regulations governing consumer protection for funeral services. However, the primary legislation outlined by the provincial government is the Funeral Directors Act. The act discusses matters of funeral directors, such as qualifications, fees, body preparation, etc.
Nunavut
Nunavut does not have specific acts or laws regulating funeral rights in the province. However, there are general regulations for all businesses that funeral homes must also adhere to. Consumer matters are dealt with by Consumer Affairs. Consumer Affairs assists residents with concerns about consumer services, provides support and guidance, resolves complaints, and more.
Northwest Territories
Residents of the Northwest Territories can receive guidance and assistance about funeral rights and regulations from the Consumer Affairs Office. The Consumer Affairs Office handles concerns about using or buying goods or services in the Northwest Territories, including information and advice, consumer complaints, licensing, and more.
