Government Resources

Government Resources

Opioid Crisis

There are a number of concerns with the rising opiod related deaths and the potential for exposure by first responders and those of us in death care. AHS provided an information booklet following their latest course that the AFSRB used for its mandatory continuing education credits. You can download a .pdf of the pamphlet when you click here. One of the considerations that has been suggested to funeral professionals is to possibly have Naloxone on hand in case of exposure. 

In addition, the RCMP has put togehter a very helpful website, www.fentanylsafety.com. It has a link to where you can order the Naloxone kits. 

Vital Statistics

Vital Statistics forms and envelopes are available via fax ONLY at 780.422.1695

DVS 6 Forms have been renumbered as REG3122 (Attending Physicians Medical Certificate of Death) are available for ordering by fax from Service Alberta Distribution at 780.422.1695.

Financial Assistance for Low Income Seniors

Funeral expenses are only considered for a deceased spouse/partner and no other family member. The surviving spouse/partner must be over 65 at the time of the spouse/partner's death and the application must be made within 12 months of the date of death. A bill/invoice or receipt must be provided. A maximum of $1200.00 will be funded. (This is over and above any CPP benefits that might have accrued.)
Click Here for Special Needs Assistance for Seniors

Flying With Cremated Remains

Can You Fly with Cremated Remains?

Yes. You may bring a cremation container on the plane with you if certain conditions are met.

We realize how difficult it is to lose a loved one, but knowing and planning to meet these conditions ahead of time can help you avoid disappointment at the airport. For example, some airlines do not allow cremated remains as checked baggage, so please check with your air carrier first to learn about possible restrictions.

Security Procedures

Passengers are allowed to carry a cremation container with them as part of their carry-on baggage. The container, however, must pass through the x-ray machine.
  • It must be made of a material that allows the x-ray to clearly scan its contents.
  • It must pass security screening. Documentation from a funeral home does not provide an exemption to this requirement.
  • Screening officers are not permitted to open a cremation container, and they will not inspect the contents if you open it yourself.
  • It cannot be placed in checked baggage if it has been x-rayed at pre-board screening and its contents could not be determined.

Before heading to the airport

Ask your funeral director about temporary containers for transportation purposes. These containers are more likely to pass through security. You can also bring your empty permanent container with you and arrange for a funeral home at your destination to transfer the container contents.

What cremation container materials will pass through the security checkpoint?

Due to differences in thickness, shape and material, some cremation containers are more likely to pass through security screening.

Plastic, cardboard or cloth containers are most likely to clear the x-ray machine and be permitted past the checkpoint.

Metal, granite and ceramic containers are least likely to be permitted past the checkpoint.

Options at the airport

If your container does not pass pre-board screening for carry-on baggage, you may:
  • Leave the container with a friend or family member who is not travelling and still at the airport;
  • Ask your airline representative to re-book you on a later flight, allowing you time to make other arrangements; or
  • Ship the container via mail, cargo or courier. Please keep in mind that shipping options vary at airports.
For more information visit www.catsa.gc.ca or call 1 800 O-Canada.

Mailing of Cremated Remains

Cremated remains are acceptable for mailing if they are properly and carefully packaged and addressed. Purolator or other courier services cannot be used to ship cremated remains.

All of the following requirements must be met when shipping cremated remains:
  • the remains must be enclosed in an urn or in an other receptacle with a lid that is cemented or sealed closed
  • the receptacle must be protected with packaging material and inserted into a durable sift-proof metal container or a wooden box at least 1 cm thick which must be securely closed and sealed with reinforced tape
  • the package must be accompanied by a certificate of cremation issued by the appropriate authority which must be enclosed in a plastic envelope attached securely to the top of the parcel
  • extra care should be taken to ensure that both the destination and return addresses information is correct and complete.
For international shipments and specific packaging requirements of international destinations, see “Part H: International Destination Listing”.

Workers' Compensation Benefits for Fatalities

Effective immediately: Funeral cost provided is $11,500 for burial and $2010.60 for out of pocket expenses.

Wrongful Death - MVA

Click Here for Wrongful Death - Legal Rights Information
Brent Handel an attorney in Red Deer has prepared a comprehensive overview of the issue of benefits for families who may be eligible under the Fatal Accidents Act. AFSA is grateful to Mr. Handel for this timely article. For more information on this subject please see his website. www.helpandhope.ca
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