Planning ahead for yourself
- Burial or cremation, and where
- Type of service: religious, celebration of life, private, or none
- Music, readings and who might speak
- Obituary details and photos
- How the costs will be paid
- Where your will, policies and key documents are kept
- Who should be told, with contact details
When a loved one has died
- Get a pronouncement of death (from a doctor, or call 911 if unexpected)
- Contact a funeral home
- Look for written wishes, a prepaid plan or a life insurance policy
- Find the will and the executor
- Register the death and order death certificates through your province (see your province's page)
- Notify government programs (CPP, OAS), banks and insurers
- Apply for the CPP death benefit if eligible
Sources (checked October 27, 2026)
This guide is general information, not insurance, financial, legal or tax advice.