Additional Consumer Resources
CREMATION ASSOCIATION OF NORTH AMERICA – CANA
This site will provide consumers with additional information about Death, Grieving, Funeral Establishments, Cemeteries and Cremation.
FUNERAL SERVICE ASSOCATION OF BRITISH COLUMBIA – FSABC
Established in 1912, the Funeral Service Association of B.C. was formed by a group of concerned funeral directors whose purpose is to assist the funeral profession to attain the highest possible standards of ethics, service and proficiency. The FSABC liaises with government representatives to voice industry concerns with respect to legislation, regulations and policies, and have a reputation for public trust, professionalism and co-operation. The FSABC serves the community with a Province-wide toll-free line for information and referral and is a major source of information for the public on death and bereavement.
WESTERN CANADA CEMETERY ASSOCIATION – WCCA
The Western Canada Cemetery Association is an organization of municipal, private, and religious cemeteries throughout Manitoba, Saskatchewan, and Alberta, including affiliate members. The WCCA provides a forum for education and mutual exchange of ideas for its members. This allows members to keep on top of new developments and trends in the cemetery industry resulting in the best possible customer service.
INTERNATIONAL CEMETERY, CREMATION & FUNERAL ASSOCIATION – ICCFA
This site will provide consumers with additional information about Death, Grieving, Funeral Establishments, Cemeteries and Cremation.
Government Resources / Death Benefits
BRITISH COLUMBIA VITAL STATISTICS AGENCY
The mission of the Agency is to contribute to the improved health and security of British Columbians and Canadians by efficiently registering vital events occurring in The Province of British Columbia and providing a broad spectrum of quality products and services related to vital statistics to meet a variety of client and user needs. Information for Death registration and certificates can be found on the web site along with other death related statistics.
CONSUMER PROTECTION BC
A not-for profit organization which operates at arm’s length from government. On July 4, 2004, the Authority assumed responsibility for the oversight of business practices and consumer protection in British Columbia, functions previously performed by the Consumer Services Division of the Ministry of Public Safety and Solicitor General.
DEPARTMENT OF NATIONAL DEFENCE
Compensation and benefit instruction for the Canadian Forces.
GOVERNMENT OF CANADA PENSION INFORMATION – Canada Pension Plan (CPP)
The Canada Pension Plan is part of Service Canada and has a section called ‘What to Do Following a Death’ that includes information for allowance for the survivor, children’s benefits, employment Insurance benefits on behalf of as deceased person, Federal Worker’s Compensation, International Benefits, public Pensions & Retirement, and Survivor benefits.
INSURANCE CORPORATION OF BC
The Insurance Corporation of British Columbia will provide no-fault accident benefits. These benefits include payment for funeral expenses up to the cost of the funeral or $2,500, whichever is less. If you require more information contact the ICBC Information Unit at 1-800-663-3051
MINISTRY OF SOCIAL DEVELOPMENT
The Government of British Columbia, through its Ministry of Social Development, may provide assistance. In the event of a death, those qualified to receive assistance must first obtain approval for assistance from the Ministry. If there are no relatives able to assume responsibility, staff will make arrangements for services and payment. If you require additional information, you should contact your financial assistance worker at your local Ministry of Social Development – District Office.
PUBLIC GUARDIAN & TRUSTEE OF BRITISH COLUMBIA
The Public Guardian & Trustee of British Columbia is a division of the Ministry of Attorney General for the Province of B.C. The Public Trustee has a legal responsibility to protect the rights of mentally incapable persons, minors, and the estates of missing persons and deceased persons where there is no named executor, or where there is no one willing or able to act as executor. The Public Trustee’s Estate Administration Division secures assets, settles debts and claims against the estate, and then identifies and locates the estate’s heirs and beneficiaries. For more information contact: Estate Administration Services, Public Guardian & Trustee of B. C. #700 – 808 West Hastings St., Vancouver, B.C., V6C 3L3 Telephone: (604) 660-4444 Fax: (604) 660-0374
THE CRIME VICTIM ASSISTANCE PROGRAM
The Crime Victim Assistance Program is a program administered by the Victim Service Division of the Ministry of Public Safety and Solicitor General. Under the Act, victims injured as a result of certain crimes, immediate family members or an injured or deceased victim and some witnesses may be eligible for financial assistance including funeral expenses. The director may not award more than $5,000. Other financial assistance or benefits include: income support, counseling; protective measures (such as changed locks or home security systems); transportation or travel expenses; loss of earnings due to bereavement leave; crime scene cleaning.
THE LAST POST FUND / VETERAN AFFAIRS CANADA
The Canadian Government has traditionally assumed responsibility for the burial or members of the Canadian Armed Forces who died during battle and, later, those who died as a result of war-related injuries. In the years following the end of Second World War and the Korean War, benefits were expanded to veterans who died without the financial means to provide for a dignified funeral and burial. Contact the Last Post Fund, BC Branch, Suite 203, 7337 137 St., Surrey, BC V3W 1A4 – Telephone: (604) 572-3242 or call Toll Free: (800) 268-0248.
WORKSAFEBC (formerly Workers’ Compensation Board)
This booklet is a guide for families working with a work related death or terminal illness and presents information on financial and other assistance available from WorkSafe BC and lists resources that may be helpful.
WORKSAFEBC DEATH BENEFITS
Provides information for compensation on death of a worker, including funeral and other death benefits.