The Memorial Society is Hiring!

Member Support We are looking for a dynamic and compassionate individual to join our Member Support team. Member Support is committed to helping members with all kinds of inquiries and plays an invaluable role in helping families with referrals and support upon the death of a member. Another part of this role is to help…

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Medical Assistance in Dying in B.C.

a sunrise from the shore of a rocky beach in BC

Thank you to Alex Muir, Chair, Metro Vancouver Chapter, Dying With Dignity Canada for his illuminating presentation on Medical Assistance in Dying (MAID) at our Annual General Meeting, 2025.  Medical Assistance in Dying (MAID) has been legal in Canada since June 2016.  It is legislated under federal law as an exemption to the Criminal Code.  However, because it falls…

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2025 Annual General Meeting Notice

The Board of Directors of the Memorial Society of BC would like to extend an invitation to members to attend our 69th Annual General Meeting. Saturday, November 29th, 2025 1:00 – 2:30 pm This year’s AGM will be virtual by Zoom With Guest Speaker Alex Muir, Chair, Metro Vancouver Chapter of Dying with Dignity Canada.…

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Visiting the Crematorium: A Glimpse Behind the Scenes

A quiet scene of a light grey gest book on a wooden table, a patterned carpet in the background, and foliage in the foreground

Tucked quietly behind trees and businesses, the tan wood-frame building has housed Alternatives Funeral and Cremation Services since 1994. Included within that organization is Society’s First Alternative Services, which provides services exclusively for Memorial Society members. Upon arrival, our 3 person Memorial Society team was welcomed inside by apprentice funeral director Jesus Hernandez, whose warm…

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MSBC News

A blue box with the text MSBC Updates and Learning Opportunities, against a back drop of towering trees

Update: Call to Support Greener Options In our efforts to urge the BC Government to legalize Alkaline Hydrolysis (aquamation) and Natural Organic Reduction (human composting), we are pleased to share that we were invited to meet with Minister Niki Sharma, BC’s Attorney General with responsibility for the Cremation, Interment and Funeral Services Act this past…

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Options for Appointing an Executor

a photo of a man and woman's hands reading a document

The Memorial Society receives inquiries from members about what to do when there is no one suitable in their life to appoint as the executor of their will. Here is a brief overview.    When a person dies and leaves a valid will, it is the responsibility of the executor named in the will to administer…

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MLA Jennifer Blatherwick Speaks to the Legislative Assembly

MLA Jennifer Blatherwick speaks to the Legislative Assembly of BC

The Memorial Society movement began in Canada in the 1920’s as a response to rising funeral costs, with the goal to create informed prepared community members who have access to affordable locally owned funeral services. The non-denominational movement grew across North America so that now most provinces and states have Memorial Societies or Cooperatives.  …

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HAPPY SPRING – Cleaning!

glowing purple crocuses against green grass.

Spring is a season of renewal—an ideal time to refresh your important life documents. Just as you tidy your home, reviewing and updating your end-of-life plans ensures everything is current and accessible. Here’s a quick guide: 1. REVIEW YOUR WILL Major life changes—marriage, divorce, new family members, or loss of loved ones – can affect…

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Call to Support Greener Options for British Columbians

The Memorial Society of BC is calling on its members and the general public to urge the BC Government to legalize greener options for the disposition of human remains in British Columbia. At this time, British Columbians only have the options of cremation and burial for the disposition of their bodies. Both forms have harmful impacts…

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Proudly Supports Local Business

A version of the Canadian Flag with two red side bars and the Memorial Society logo (with leaves) in the centre

There is a growing movement across the county to support Canadian businesses in response to U.S. imposed tariffs. Did you know that the Memorial Society partners only with BC-owned and operated funeral providers across the province?  This has been our practice for several years! This helps safeguard independent funeral providers in BC against corporate ownership…

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