Proof of Death Documents
When someone dies, it is not very long before the executor or administrator of the estate becomes inundated with requests for “death certificates”.
In Alberta, there are a few documents which service this purpose. We have outlined below what those documents are, how to obtain them, and in which situations you may require them:
Funeral Director’s Statement of Death:
This is a document, marked with a seal, provided by the funeral home to certify that a death has occurred. Your funeral director at Park Memorial will provide you with a number of these to help you meet the requests of the many institutions requiring proof of passing. This document is accepted by the Canadian government (for purposes such as Canada Pension Plan notifications/applications and Canada Revenue Agency), many banks, utility companies, and many other institutions.
Bereavement Certificate:
Provided by the funeral home, this document will certify that a death has occurred for purposes such as getting bereavement discounts through airlines and providing to the employers of bereaved family members to confirm a reason for absence.
Alberta Government Official Death Certificate:
Obtained through Alberta Vital Statistics via any registry office, this certificate is sometimes required if property is owned by the deceased outside of Alberta, for some life insurance policies, or if the deceased (or their cremated remains) are being transported out of Canada.
Certified Copy of Medical Certificate of Death:
Obtained through Alberta Vital Statistics via any registry office by the next of kin, this certificate is sometimes required by life insurance companies or any other agency that requires the divulgence of cause of death.
Certified Copy of Registration of Death:
Obtained through Alberta Vital Statistics via any registry office.
