B.C. Funeral Homes Urge Funding Increase Amid Rising Costs

Funeral homes across British Columbia are raising alarms about inadequate funding from the provincial burial program, which assists families unable to afford funeral expenses. Operators in rural areas face the greatest challenges, as they contend with rising costs that have not been matched by government support over the past two decades.

The provincial initiative aims to cover funeral costs for estates lacking resources. However, the B.C. Funeral Association reports that funding has “remained stagnant” for nearly 20 years. The association’s executive director, Bradd Tuck, stated that funeral homes have been forced to absorb costs that have nearly doubled compared to the funding provided, effectively requiring them to “heavily subsidize the program.”

As a result, many rural funeral homes, which disproportionately handle cases eligible for support, are closing. This trend is leaving communities without accessible services, compelling families to seek funeral arrangements potentially hundreds of kilometres away. The Ministry of Social Development and Poverty Reduction, led by Minister Sheila Malcolmson, has engaged in discussions with the funeral association, indicating a commitment to cover necessary costs when estates lack resources.

Despite these conversations, Tuck expressed disappointment that no funding increases have followed. “We’ve had dialogue with the ministry, but the feedback has essentially been, ‘We understand the need for an increase, but due to the current economic situation, we’re not seeing a path forward,’” he said.

The association attributes the increased reliance on the burial program to a rise in economic hardship among the population and a widening gap between funeral service costs and government funding. Currently, the government allocates about $2,100 for each service, which, when combined with cremation or burial costs, often falls short. Traditional funerals in British Columbia typically range from $7,000 to $10,000.

Urban funeral homes, which tend to have a higher percentage of paying customers, are better positioned to offset the funding gap, unlike their rural counterparts that operate with tighter margins. Tuck warned that inadequate funding could lead to increased costs for the province itself. As local funeral homes close, families may need to transport remains over long distances, incurring higher transportation fees that would ultimately be borne by the provincial government.

The delays in processing eligibility for the burial program have also become a pressing concern. Families are currently experiencing waits of over two weeks for eligibility determinations. This situation places additional strain on hospital and funeral home morgues. Tuck remarked, “This is not just an administrative inconvenience. It’s a profound disrespect to the deceased and their families.”

Although no families are at immediate risk of being unable to care for their deceased loved ones, Tuck emphasized the unsustainable trajectory of the current situation. “We need to recognize that the people most impacted by this program cannot speak for themselves,” he said. “As the voting public, we must put pressure on our government to acknowledge the significance of this program and ensure dignified care for those who have passed.”

This report by The Canadian Press was first published on September 28, 2025.