Your rights when Selecting a Casket or Urn
Choosing a casket or an urn to hold the remains of a loved one is a very personal decision. Alberta’s funeral services law speaks to your rights when it comes to making this type of purchase.
Our funeral service providers will offer a variety of caskets and urns for you to choose from with different prices, designs. and construction. However, you are legally permitted to provide your own casket or urn, as long as it meets specific requirements.
Whether you decide to purchase it from another supplier or create it yourself, it must comply with the specifications outlined in the Public Health Act. For complete details and specifications, please refer to the relevant section of the law.
Whether you decide to purchase it from another supplier or create it yourself, it must comply with the specifications outlined in the Public Health Act. For complete details and specifications, please refer to the relevant section of the law.
Specific Requirements for Urns and Caskets
- Strength: The urn or casket must be sturdy enough to contain and transport the remains.
- Sealing: It should be closable to prevent visibility of the remains.
- Safety: The urn or casket must be leak-proof and safe.
- Rigidity: It should be rigid.
- Cemetery Restrictions: Check with the cemetery for any size or material restrictions.
- Construction: If you need a container for cremation, it must be combustible and not contain certain materials (e.g., plastic, fibreglass, metal).
- No Extra Fees: Funeral homes cannot charge extra fees for using your own container.