Clear definitions of funeral, legal, and practical terms used in Quebec — to help you make informed decisions.
82 terms defined
The official civil status document issued by the Quebec Director of Civil Status following a death. It constitutes definitive legal proof of death and is required for all estate and administrative proceedings.
A medical examination performed on a deceased person's body to determine the cause of death or clarify medical or judicial circumstances. In Quebec, it may be ordered by the coroner or requested by the family.
A body dissolution process using alkaline hydrolysis, employing a solution of water and potassium hydroxide at high temperature. Also called aquamation or resomation, this method generates fewer CO₂ emissions than thermal cremation and is available in Quebec.
The spreading of cremated ashes in a body of water (river, lake, sea). In Canada, this practice is subject to regulation by Fisheries and Oceans Canada and Environment Canada, with conditions relating in particular to the distance from shore.
The burial of a cremation urn in a cemetery plot, ash garden, or memorial green space. This practice combines the advantages of cremation with the maintenance of a physical place for remembrance and reflection.
An alternative to a trust fund for protecting payments made under a pre-arrangement contract. Funds are placed in an insurance product that guarantees their availability at the time of death.
A person designated to receive the proceeds of a life insurance policy, RRSP, or will upon the death of the holder. Designating a beneficiary can facilitate the transfer of certain assets outside the estate settlement process.
A person who has lost a loved one and is going through a grieving process. In Quebec, several organizations such as the Fondation Deuil offer psychological support and support groups for bereaved people.
Burial of the body (or ashes) in a cemetery. It requires the purchase or lease of a burial plot along with grave opening and closing fees.
A property or sum of money bequeathed by will to a person or organization. In Quebec, bequests can be universal (the entire estate), at title universal (a share), or at particular title (a specific asset).
A space in a cemetery reserved for the burial of one or more deceased persons. It can be purchased in advance or at the time of death. Some cemeteries also offer ash-scattering plots.
A legal document issued by the Quebec civil status director authorizing the burial or cremation of a body. The funeral director typically handles obtaining this document.
An urn designed to dissolve naturally in soil or water, allowing the ecological dispersal of ashes. Made from materials such as recycled paper, gelatin, or sea salt, it is ideal for outdoor or sea scatterings.
A person who officiates a non-religious or interfaith funeral ceremony. Unlike a priest or pastor, a secular celebrant personalizes the service to reflect the values and life of the deceased.
A commemorative ceremony focused on the life, achievements and personality of the deceased, without a mandatory religious character. More informal and often more joyful than a traditional funeral service, it can be held at any time after the death.
A funeral ceremony focused on the deceased's achievements, passions, and personality rather than grief. More informal and often more joyful than a traditional funeral service.
The residue of cremation, composed primarily of ground bone fragments. Contrary to popular belief, cremated remains are not ashes in the strict sense but calcined bones reduced to powder, typically weighing 1.5 to 3 kg.
A rigid container used for burial or cremation of the body. Caskets are made from wood, metal, or eco-friendly materials. Costs vary significantly by material and finish.
A place designated for the burial of the deceased. In Quebec, cemeteries may be confessional (Catholic, Protestant, Jewish, etc.) or municipal. Some cemeteries also offer cremation services and columbariums.
A structure housing niches designed to hold cremation urns. Columbariums are often integrated into cemeteries or funeral homes and offer an alternative to in-ground burial, particularly suited for the long-term preservation of ashes.
The process of reducing the body through intense heat (870–980°C), producing ashes, also called cremated remains or cremains. Cremation now accounts for over 70% of funerals in Quebec.
A technique for preserving the body or brain by freezing at very low temperatures immediately after death, in the hope of future reanimation. Cryonics is not practiced in Quebec and does not constitute a legally recognized funeral option.
The legally governed transfer of a pre-arrangement funeral service contract from one funeral establishment to another. In Quebec, this transfer is possible without penalty and the trust funds follow the contract.
A container used to hold cremated ashes. Urns are available in a variety of materials (metal, ceramic, wood, biodegradable) and styles. They can be buried, placed in a columbarium, or kept by loved ones.
A one-time $2,500 benefit paid by the Régie des rentes du Québec to the surviving spouse or, in their absence, to the deceased person's estate. It must be claimed within 12 months of the date of death.
A medical document officially certifying a person's death, distinct from the civil death record issued by civil status authorities. It is completed by a physician or specialized nurse practitioner and serves as the basis for issuing the death statement.
An official document completed by a physician or specialized nurse practitioner at the time of death. This document is transmitted to the Quebec Director of Civil Status and triggers the official registration of the death.
The Quebec public official responsible for registering births, marriages, and deaths in Quebec. They issue the official death record based on the statement transmitted by the healthcare professional.
A temporary preservation process involving the injection of chemicals into the vascular system. Embalming is not mandatory in Quebec but may be required in certain circumstances (international repatriation, delayed funeral).
An inscription engraved on a tombstone or memorial monument in memory of the deceased. It may include the name, birth and death dates, and a quote or personal message.
The legally authorized unearthing of a body or urn after its initial burial. In Quebec, exhumation requires authorization from the Director of Civil Status and, in some cases, a court order.
A person designated in a will or by a court to administer and settle the estate of a deceased person. In Quebec, the liquidator is the equivalent of the executor in other Canadian provinces.
A document or set of documents expressing a person's wishes for their medical care, funeral, and disposition of assets at the end of life. It may include a protection mandate, advance medical directives, and funeral pre-arrangements.
The totality of assets, rights, and obligations left by a deceased person. Estate settlement is governed by the Quebec Civil Code and may require a notary or estate administrator.
The total value of an estate's assets before the settlement of debts and charges. It serves in particular as the basis for calculating any inheritance taxes and for distributing bequests among heirs.
A licensed professional authorized to organize and conduct funerals, prepare the body (embalming/preparation), and advise families through the process. In Quebec, they must hold a recognized thanatology diploma.
The legal Quebec term for any person or company operating a funeral home and offering funeral services. The funeral operator is distinct from the funeral director, which specifically refers to the professional thanatologist.
A grouping of Quebec funeral cooperatives that offer funeral services to their members at advantageous rates. Funeral cooperatives are owned by their members and redistribute surpluses in the form of rebates.
The fund into which payments made under pre-arrangement funeral service contracts must mandatorily be deposited in Quebec. The trust is managed independently by a trustee and guarantees the protection of funds paid.
Floral arrangements offered as a token of sympathy at funerals. Families may also request charitable donations in lieu of flowers.
All costs related to the funeral and burial of a deceased person, including funeral home fees, casket or urn, ceremony, transportation, and cemetery fees. In Quebec, these costs typically range from $2,500 to $15,000.
The set of rites and prayers specific to a religion during a funeral ceremony. Catholic liturgy, for example, includes the funeral mass, prayers for the deceased, and the absolution rite.
An establishment providing all funeral services, including body preparation, visitation rooms, a chapel for ceremonies, and sometimes a crematorium. Synonymous with funeral parlour, it is the preferred legal term in Quebec.
A commemorative structure placed on a grave. It may be a simple gravestone, an engraved monument, or a sculpture. Common materials include granite, marble, and bronze.
A cavity in a columbarium designed to hold a cremation urn or human remains. Niches can be individual, double, or family-sized, and are offered for purchase or on long-term concession.
A set of cultural, religious, or secular practices surrounding the death and funeral of a person. Funeral rites vary considerably according to traditions, beliefs, and cultural communities.
An establishment where funeral services are planned and organized. It may include a casket showroom, visitation rooms, a chapel for ceremonies, and a crematorium.
A pre-arrangement contract where the price is locked at the time of signing, with no future inflation adjustments. The purchaser is protected against any price increase, regardless of when the death occurs.
A stone or granite slab or monument marking the location of a grave and serving to identify and commemorate the deceased. It typically shows the name, birth and death dates, and sometimes an epitaph.
A burial method without chemical embalming, using biodegradable caskets or shrouds in a natural cemetery. The goal is to allow the body to return to the earth naturally.
A brief ceremony held directly at the cemetery at the time of burial or ash interment. This type of service, more intimate than church or funeral home ceremonies, is increasingly chosen in Quebec.
A body disposition method involving accelerated human composting, transforming remains into nutrient-rich soil. This option has been legal in Quebec since 2024 and represents one of the most environmentally friendly funeral alternatives available.
A motor vehicle equipped for transporting the casket or mortal remains between the funeral home, church, cemetery, or crematorium. Its use is included in most basic funeral packages.
International transportation of the body or ashes to the deceased's country of origin. This process involves consular formalities, sanitary certificates, and compliance with the regulations of both the departing and receiving countries.
A memorial keepsake created from the fingerprint of the deceased, reproduced in relief on a piece of jewelry, a plaque, or a commemorative object. This type of personal keepsake can be prepared by the funeral home.
A natural area developed in a cemetery or dedicated space to allow the scattering or burial of cremated ashes in the open air. These spaces offer an ecological and serene alternative to columbarium niches.
A large funeral monument used as a place of burial. Some mausoleums are private family structures; others are community buildings in cemeteries containing niches or crypts.
The Quebec ministry responsible for regulating and overseeing funeral services in Quebec, including training requirements for funeral directors. It works in collaboration with the OPC to oversee the sector.
A funeral ceremony held without the body present, typically after cremation or burial. It allows family and friends to gather and pay tribute to the deceased at a convenient time and place.
A pre-arrangement contract where the amount paid may not cover the full costs at the time of death if prices have increased. The difference must be paid by the family.
Official announcement of a person's death, published in print or online. It typically includes the date of death, surviving family members, and funeral details.
The removal of organs or tissues from a deceased person for transplantation purposes, carried out with the prior consent of the deceased or their family. In Quebec, consent can be expressed on a driver's licence or through the consent registry.
A commemorative text published in print or online to announce a person's death and recall their life. Synonymous with death notice, the obituary notice may be more detailed and include a biography of the deceased.
The Quebec government body that oversees pre-arrangement funeral service contracts. The OPC requires funeral homes to register, follow trust fund rules, and provide legally compliant contracts.
The process by which a person plans — and optionally prepays — their own funeral services while still alive. In Quebec, these contracts are governed by the Act respecting prearranged funeral services and sepultures and overseen by the OPC.
A contract signed with a funeral home for funeral services to be received in the future. In Quebec, payments must be deposited in a trust fund or annuity, protecting your funds even if the funeral home closes.
A pre-arrangement whose total price is fixed and guaranteed at the time of signing. Regardless of future changes in funeral rates, your family will never pay more than the amount originally agreed upon.
A death occurring between the 20th week of pregnancy and the first 7 days of a newborn's life. In Quebec, specialized support resources and specific rights apply to families affected by perinatal death.
A synonym for pre-arrangements — funeral planning carried out during one's lifetime, making it possible to define one's wishes and, if desired, prepay funeral services to relieve one's family.
A Quebec non-profit organization offering psychological support, educational resources, and support groups to bereaved people and their loved ones, regardless of the type of loss experienced.
The legal right to be buried in a specific cemetery plot. This right can be acquired in advance as part of a pre-arrangement or purchased at the time of death. It is distinct from land ownership.
Transportation of a deceased person's body or ashes to another country or province for burial or cremation. Official documents are required to cross international borders with human remains.
The act of spreading cremated ashes in a meaningful location — at sea, in the mountains, or in a cemetery scatter garden. In Quebec, specific rules apply depending on the chosen location.
Bones recovered after cremation or following the natural decomposition of the body. In the cremation process, bone fragments are ground after firing to produce the cremated remains returned to the family.
The legal term for the place where a body or ashes are buried. Sepulture can take several forms: cemetery plot, columbarium, scatter garden, or memorial green space.
A mandatory legal mechanism in Quebec for pre-arrangement contracts. Funds paid by the purchaser must be deposited in a trust fund managed independently of the funeral home, guaranteeing their protection.
An academic and professional discipline that studies death, dying, grief processes, and the psychological, social, and physical aspects of end of life. Funeral directors in Quebec complete thanatology training.
A room set up in a funeral home where the deceased's body is displayed before the funeral, allowing relatives and friends to pay their respects and offer condolences to the family.
An informal gathering allowing relatives and friends of the deceased to offer condolences to the family. It is typically held at the funeral home before the ceremony and may take place with or without the body present.
A registry maintained by the Chambre des notaires du Québec and the Barreau du Québec listing registered notarial and witnessed wills. Consulting this registry makes it possible to determine whether the deceased had drawn up a will.
A legal document in which a person expresses their last wishes regarding the disposition of their assets after death. In Quebec, a notarized will is generally the most secure form.
The period during which the body of the deceased is displayed at the funeral home or family home to allow loved ones to pay their respects, pray, and share memories. The wake may last from a few hours to several days depending on cultural traditions.
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Start your arrangementsThis glossary is provided for informational purposes only and does not constitute legal advice. For questions about your rights, consult the OPC or a qualified professional.