Who Can Authorize a Cremation in British Columbia?

So, how and by whom are cremations authorized in British Columbia? We are going to take a look in today’s blog at who can authorize cremations in British Columbia and how that works.

The two main things required to authorize a cremation are authorization from the executor of the estate or legal next of kin according to the Cremation, Interment, Funeral Service Act section 5 (1) and a burial permit. Burial Permits are usually obtained by the funeral director after the death has been registered and a death certificate obtained. A Burial Permit is a permit that is required for the disposition of the decedent’s remains whether it is a traditional burial or a cremation. A cremation also cannot occur for at least 48 hours after the death of the decedent.

In addition to the burial permit, authorization from the executor of the estate or legal next of kin according to the Cremation, Interment, Funeral Service Act section 5 (1) must be done by signing the crematorium’s authorization form. Once the form is signed and the 48 hour time period after death has elapsed cremation may take place.

According to the act, authorization can be provided by the following individuals in the following order: A personal representative named in the will of the deceased. The spouse of the deceased, an adult child of the deceased; an adult grandchild of the deceased; If the deceased was a minor, a person who was a guardian and had care and control of the deceased at the date of death; a parent of the deceased; an adult sibling of the deceased; an adult nephew or niece of the deceased; an adult next of kin of the deceased which is determined by Section 23 of the Wills, Estates and Succession Act; the Minister under the Employment and Assistance Act, or if the Public Guardian and Trustee is administering the estate of the deceased under the Wills, Estates and Succession Act, the Public Guardian and Trustee; an adult person having a personal or kinship relationship with the deceased other than those individuals who appear previously in the list. Who can provide authorization starts at the top of this list, with a legal representative named in the will and descends if the person at the top of the order is unable or unwilling to make a decision regarding the disposition of the decedent.

We hope we have provided you with a useful guide as to whom is able to provide authorization for a cremation in the province of British Columbia.

We believe every family deserves respect, reverence, and compassion. If you have any questions about this article or would like to talk to us about cremation services, please call or text 604-809-2006.