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2h ago

B.C. Funeral Homes Say Provincial Burial Aid Falls Far Short, Putting Rural Service at Risk

The province offers about $2,100 per case after nearly two decades without increases, leaving providers to subsidize funerals.

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The provincial program is meant to cover funeral costs where the estate has no resources, but the B.C. Funeral Association says funding has "remained stagnant" for almost 20 years.

Overview

  • Industry leaders say the government payment covers a fraction of costs, with average traditional funerals in B.C. running $7,000 to $10,000.
  • The B.C. Funeral Association reports closures of rural operators, forcing families to seek services hundreds of kilometres away.
  • Because transportation fees are covered by the program, longer transfers could raise provincial costs as local providers shut down.
  • The ministry says Minister Sheila Malcolmson met the association and pledged to pay necessary costs when estates lack resources, but funding levels remain unchanged.
  • Families are seeing eligibility decisions take more than two weeks, increasing pressure on hospital and funeral-home morgues, with the sector calling the situation unsustainable.