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.   Many thanks to MLA Jennifer Blatherwick (Coquitlam-Maillardville) for her eloquent comments to the Legislative Assembly on April 3rd, 2025 on the work of the Memorial Society of British Columbia. MSBC is appreciative of this public acknowledgment as we are very proud of our long history of...

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 on our environment. Fortunately, greener technologies have emerged, but they are not yet available in British Columbia.  These include Alkaline Hydrolysis and Natural Organic Reduction – see below. The Memorial Society strongly supports that residents of BC should have choice when it comes to disposition and...