The British Columbia government assists families who can’t afford funeral costs, but industry experts warn that the current funding levels may threaten the survival of rural funeral operators.
The provincial program aims to cover funeral expenses for estates without resources, yet the B.C. Funeral Association highlights that funding has remained stagnant for almost two decades. Funeral homes have been bearing the burden of costs, which have nearly doubled the available funding, leading to significant financial strain on the industry.
Bradd Tuck, the executive director of the funeral association, points out that many rural funeral homes, which often handle a disproportionate number of cases requiring financial support, are being forced to shut down. This leaves communities with limited options, sometimes having to seek services hundreds of kilometers away.
Despite Minister Sheila Malcolmson’s commitment to covering necessary costs in cases where estates lack resources, the association has not seen any increase in funding despite submitting budget recommendations in recent years.
The rising demand for the burial program is attributed to both increased economic hardship and the widening gap between service costs and government funding. The program currently covers around $2,100 for the service, along with cremation or burial costs, which fall significantly short of the average traditional funeral expenses in B.C., ranging between $7,000 and $10,000.
While urban funeral homes with more paying customers can offset the funding gap, rural operators struggle due to narrower profit margins. Insufficient program funding could also result in higher costs for the province, particularly concerning transportation fees covered under the burial program.
As delays in determining eligibility for the burial program extend beyond two weeks, families face added pressure while hospital and funeral home morgues experience capacity strains. Bradd Tuck emphasizes that the situation is unsustainable and stresses the importance of advocating for proper program funding to ensure dignified care for the deceased.