Choosing a funeral home is one of the most meaningful decisions you can make — for a loved one, or for yourself through a pre-arrangement. It is not simply about price. It is about trust, transparency, and the quality of care your family will receive at one of life's hardest moments.
First: verify the OPC licence
In Quebec, any business providing funeral services must hold a licence issued by the Office de la protection du consommateur (OPC), under the Act Respecting Prearranged Funeral Services and Sepultures (RLRQ, chapter A-23.001). You can verify a licence directly on the OPC website at opc.gouv.qc.ca. Never do business with an establishment that cannot provide this information.
Request a full price list
Any licensed funeral home is required to provide you with a detailed price list upon request. This list must include professional fees, casket or urn costs, body preparation, transportation, room charges, and any other applicable expenses. Be cautious of establishments that delay providing this information or present packages without itemized components.
Compare models: cooperative vs. private
Quebec funeral homes fall into two broad categories. Funeral cooperatives — grouped under the Fédération des coopératives funéraires du Québec (FCFQ) — operate on a member-return model and are generally recognized for pricing transparency and community roots. Private establishments range from small independent family-run homes to locations owned by large North American groups. Neither model is inherently superior — what matters is service quality and contract clarity.
Visit in person
A visit lets you assess the facilities, cleanliness, and — most importantly — how staff treat you from the first moment. A good funeral director takes time to answer your questions without pressure, explains every cost line clearly, and does not push unnecessary services. If you feel pressured, that is a red flag.
Questions to ask before signing
- Do you hold a current OPC licence?
- What is included in your basic packages?
- Where are pre-arrangement funds held (trust account)?
- Is the contract transferable if I move?
- What is the cancellation period under Quebec law?
- How do you handle arrangements for families in other regions?
The trust account: a critical protection
If you are planning a pre-arrangement, all funds paid must be deposited into a trust account that is legally separate from the funeral home's operating funds. This means your money is protected even if the business changes ownership or closes. This is a legal requirement in Quebec — not optional.
Grief compromises decision-making
Bereaved families tend to accept the first proposal without comparing. It is understandable. This is also one of the strongest arguments for pre-arrangements: they let you choose your funeral home calmly, with time to compare and reflect, before any emotional urgency exists.
Updated: March 2026