Aquamation
Aquamation, also known as alkaline hydrolysis or water cremation, is an eco-friendly alternative to traditional flame-based cremation. This process uses water, heat, and alkaline chemicals to accelerate the natural decomposition of the body, resulting in a sterile liquid and bone fragments that can be returned to the family.
Legal Status of Aquamation in Canada
As of November 2024, aquamation is legal for human use in the following Canadian provinces and territories:
Aquamation in Alberta
In Alberta, aquamation is currently not approved for human use. While the process is legal for pet remains, it has not been authorized for human remains. Advocates are actively working to change this, citing the environmental benefits and growing public interest in sustainable end-of-life options. For instance, in April 2023, a cremation company in Alberta expressed interest in making aquamation legal in the province, highlighting its gentle and eco-friendly nature. Global News
Environmental Considerations
Aquamation is considered more environmentally friendly than traditional cremation. It uses significantly less energy and does not emit harmful gases like carbon dioxide or mercury. The process results in a sterile liquid byproduct that can be safely returned to the environment, and the remaining bone fragments are processed into a fine powder, similar to cremated ashes, which can be returned to the family.
Future Outlook
As environmental concerns become more prominent, there is increasing interest in sustainable end-of-life options like aquamation. In Alberta, ongoing advocacy efforts aim to legalize the process for human remains, aligning with practices already accepted in other provinces. Individuals interested in aquamation are encouraged to engage with local legislators and funeral service providers to express their support for legalizing this eco-friendly alternative in Alberta.
For the most current information on the legal status of aquamation in Alberta and other provinces, consulting local funeral service providers or legal experts is recommended.
Legal Status of Aquamation in Canada
As of November 2024, aquamation is legal for human use in the following Canadian provinces and territories:
- Saskatchewan: Legalized in 2012.
- Ontario: Legalized in 2014.
- Quebec: Legalized in 2015.
- Newfoundland and Labrador: Legalized in 2019.
- Northwest Territories: Legalized in 2020.
Aquamation in Alberta
In Alberta, aquamation is currently not approved for human use. While the process is legal for pet remains, it has not been authorized for human remains. Advocates are actively working to change this, citing the environmental benefits and growing public interest in sustainable end-of-life options. For instance, in April 2023, a cremation company in Alberta expressed interest in making aquamation legal in the province, highlighting its gentle and eco-friendly nature. Global News
Environmental Considerations
Aquamation is considered more environmentally friendly than traditional cremation. It uses significantly less energy and does not emit harmful gases like carbon dioxide or mercury. The process results in a sterile liquid byproduct that can be safely returned to the environment, and the remaining bone fragments are processed into a fine powder, similar to cremated ashes, which can be returned to the family.
Future Outlook
As environmental concerns become more prominent, there is increasing interest in sustainable end-of-life options like aquamation. In Alberta, ongoing advocacy efforts aim to legalize the process for human remains, aligning with practices already accepted in other provinces. Individuals interested in aquamation are encouraged to engage with local legislators and funeral service providers to express their support for legalizing this eco-friendly alternative in Alberta.
For the most current information on the legal status of aquamation in Alberta and other provinces, consulting local funeral service providers or legal experts is recommended.