MP Pam Damoff behind bill to support those who have lost loved ones

By Pepper Parr

June 15th, 2024

BURLINGTON, ON

The loss of a loved one can stretch us to a breaking point.  The grieving takes time – but there are administrative tasks required by the government and the high costs associated with a funeral that have to be met.

Funeral expenses can place financial strain on families and loved ones following a death. Oakville North Burlington MP Pam Damoff spoke recently with Sarah Sunnucks at Smith’s Funeral Home about these issues and the challenges that Canadians face as they navigate this process when a loved one dies.

Oakville North Burlington MP Pam Damoff

On Wednesday Damoff  seconded MP Michael Coteau’s (Don Valley East) Private Members Bill (Bill C-397) when it was introduced in the House of Commons.

This bill proposes to establish a single portal service for bereavement services called: Tell Us Once.

Rather than going to the many government websites to notify about a death as is currently required, the Bill it would create a single portal to send all notifications when a death occurs with a single entry. This is based on the successful UK model that streamlines the administrative process during times of bereavement.

This bill also proposes to eliminate the federal GST on all costs associated with funeral services in Canada to alleviate some of that burden. By removing the GST from these costs, the bill seeks to ensure that financial constraints do not hinder families from giving their loved ones a respectful farewell.

Private members’ bills are usually not passed but they do put a government on notice that there is an opportunity to make a change that will make a huge difference to people at a very tough time in their lives.

The motion putting this Bill forward

The Motion is deemed adopted, the Bill has been read the first time and printed.

It will now go to Committee.