ARTICLES

Range of articles related to death and dying topics

Consumer Protection In The Funeral Industry

September 22, 2024
Consumer protection in the funeral industry We are please to share this article by BC Consumer Protection about their mandate as it relates to the funeral sector. Consumer Protection BC is a not-for-profit regulator responsible for overseeing certain industries and specific consumer transactions in the province. For example, they licence and regulate travel agencies, payday lenders, debt collectors, and the cemetery and funeral industry. The regulator is also responsible for enforcing rules for certain transactions,...
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At Home Deaths

July 18, 2024
In this article, we explore what happens when a death occurs at home under different circumstances. Unexpected Home Death When a death occurs suddenly and unexpectedly at home, the typical procedure is to call emergency services (9-1-1). Police and ambulance services will attend the scene. There is also the option to call BC Coroners Services directly > Once the authorities arrive, the deceased comes under the care of the Coroner, who is responsible for determining...
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At Home Deaths

In this article, we explore what happens when a death occurs at home under different circumstances. Unexpected Home Death When a death occurs suddenly and unexpectedly at home, the typical procedure is to call emergency services (9-1-1). Police and ambulance services will attend the scene. There is also the option to call BC Coroners Services…
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Green Burials

We are grateful to Nicola Finch for her enlightening article on green burials. Photo credited to ‘Cathy Valentine, Salt Spring island Natural Cemetery’   It is not going to be everyone’s choice, nor should it be. What happens to our bodies once we’re dead is personal. Conventional burial and flame cremation have been the disposition…
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Nidus: BC Resource for Personal Planning

We are pleased to profile Nidus with an article written by Audrey Jun, Nidus Executive Director. Nidus is a BC-based, non-profit charitable organization that provides education, support and assistance to British Columbians with personal planning for incapacity, end-of-life, and other support needs. Nidus enables seniors and other adults to plan for future incapacity, and also…
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Selecting an Executor – Does it matter who you choose?

This article is reprinted with permission from the Cooperative Memorial Society in Alberta Selecting an Executor – Does it matter who you choose? By Yvonne Martin-Morrison Executor considerations may not be top of mind for most people when they are drafting their wills and estate plans. It is understandable when many are not aware of…
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Jewish End of Life Practices – by Rabbi Susan Shamash

We are delighted to kick off our series on diverse cultural beliefs and practices on death and dying with an article by Rabbi Susan Shamash. It is hoped this series of articles will help build understanding and inclusion of the many faith and cultural communities in BC. Jewish End of Life Practices – by Rabbi…
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Body & Organ Donation – is this for you?

Body & Organ Donation – is this for you? On your Arrangement Form with the Memorial Society, you may have noticed that there are check boxes for the donation of ‘ORGAN(s)’ and ‘BODY.’ Here is some information on these two options – to help you to make an informed decision about whether this is something…
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