A death in the family is a most unthinkable event. When it happens, we are left in shock and grief. But however hard it is, one must begin to think about the practical things that follow after the initial grieving. For newcomers, arranging the funeral and burial can be complicated. Issues such as finances, observance of funeral rites and rituals of their culture, and where to bury are just some of the things they need to figure out. Many do not know where to go or who to ask for support.
Who to inform first:
Expected death. If the deceased was sick for a while or was confined in a hospital, inform the health care provider or doctor. If the death occurred in the hospital, the staff will arrange for the death registration to be done.
Unexpected death. Call emergency services (9-1-1). The Coroner’s office may also be involved if an autopsy or inquest is needed. If there is no need of an autopsy, the family can call a mortuary to pick up the remains.
The doctor or coroner will complete the death registration form.
Who can make final arrangements:
The Executor or next of kin decides and makes the final arrangements.
An Executor/Executing Next of Kin is the person who is named in the deceased’s will to make final arrangements. A will is “a written document that controls the disposal of a person’s property after death” (A legal information guide for seniors, Manitoba Government).
If the deceased does not have an Executor, the responsibility falls on the next of kin, such as the spouse or adult children.
Check the Manitoba Family Law Rights on Death for laws that apply for specific circumstances.
Immediate arrangements:
- Acquire a death certificate – A death certificate is the official registration of death. If you’ve hired a funeral director, they can provide you a copy of a proof of death (which is a document that may be needed in certain situations while you don’t have the death certificate yet). You will need the death certificate to deal with the deceased’s financial assets and properties as well as claim death benefits. Application Form. You can also apply online: Online Certificate Application.
- If the deceased is an organ donor – Check the deceased’s Manitoba Health Card if they have filled out the Donor Card portion. The next of kin will be asked to confirm it. If the deceased wished to donate their entire body for medical research and education, contact the Department of Human Anatomy and Cell Science at the University of Manitoba.
- If the deceased has an insurance plan, inform the provider (or agent). They will assist you in claiming the insurance benefit.
- Check if the deceased has a Pre-arranged Funeral Plan. Contact the funeral director for the coverage and arrangements.
- Inform your family and friends.
- Inform the deceased’s employer or school.
Arranging the funeral
A funeral director can facilitate most of the final arrangements for the deceased. It is not required to have a funeral director but having an expert handle the arrangements can help ease your burden.
A licensed funeral director would know all the requirements and regulations surrounding funerals and burials in Manitoba. You can also discuss with them any particular requests of the deceased (or the family of the deceased) regarding funeral and burial arrangements. They can present and review with you the cost of the goods and services required for the ceremonies. Read the Frequently Asked Questions page of The Funeral Board of Manitoba to know more.
Burying the deceased in your home country?
There are regulations for transporting the body or the remains of your loved one outside of Canada. These involve the presentation of proper documents as well as regulations for sensitive cargo (read: Memorandum D19-9-3 Importation and Exportation of Human Remains and Other Human Tissues; Air Transportation of Human Remains in Canada to get an idea of regulations and costs). Also, there are airline regulations, depending on the airline you choose. A funeral director or funeral home can handle the arrangements for you. You (or the funeral home) should make the necessary delivery and collection arrangements once the deceased reaches its destination.
Death and survivorship benefits
Allowance for the survivor – This is available to people aged 60-64 who have low income, are living in Canada, and whose spouse or common-law partner is deceased. Sponsored/non-sponsored immigrants must meet certain conditions and residency requirements.
Death benefit – This is a one-time, lump sum payment to the estate on behalf of the deceased Canada Pension Plan (CPP) contributor.
Child benefit – CPP children’s benefit provide monthly payments to the dependent children (under the age of 25) of disabled or deceased CPP contributors.
Survivor’s Pension – CPP survivor’s pension is paid to the person who, at the time of death, is the legal spouse or common-law partner of the deceased contributor.
Federal Income Support for Parents of Murdered or Missing Children Grant
Bereavement Leave – If you are employed, you may be entitled to unpaid time off to deal with the death of a family member without fear of job loss. Under the Employment Standards Code, employees are allowed to take up to three days leave to deal with the death of a family member.
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Compassionate Care Benefits – These are Employment Insurance (EI) benefits paid to people who have to be away from work temporarily to care for a family member who is gravely ill and has a significant risk of death.
What to cancel:
You will need to cancel the deceased’s pensions and benefits, SIN, Manitoba Health Care insurance, driver’s licence, bank account/s, and credit cards. Go to: Dealing with death (Manitoba.ca) to find the list of agencies to notify. Also read Death and finances: 5 things to do to settle the affairs of a loved one to identify what other personal and financial obligations your loved may have had that you need to manage.
Article updated February 14, 2022.