Beyond the Price Tag: How CMS Makes Funeral Planning Affordable and Accessible
Date: June 2025

​When people first hear about the Cooperative Memorial Society (CMS) and our deeply discounted funeral plans with local funeral homes, their first question is often the same: How is this possible? And for good reason—funerals can be costly, emotionally overwhelming, and difficult to plan. So when we say our members save hundreds or even thousands of dollars on professional funeral services, it’s natural to wonder how it works.

Recently, a social worker at Bethany Cochrane, reached out with thoughtful questions after viewing one of our presentations. She asked:

• Do funeral homes really offer no-frills services to regular consumers?
• What happens after someone joins CMS?
• And why would a funeral home agree to offer lower rates at all?

These questions come up often—and the answers reveal a lot about the purpose and value of CMS.

What the Public Doesn't Always See
Most funeral homes do have basic service options available—but they are rarely promoted. The typical consumer may only be shown full-service packages that include optional extras like decorative caskets, extended visitations, or upgraded ceremony spaces. These additions can add significant cost.
CMS bridges the gap. We’ve negotiated simple, essential “no-frills” plans with trusted funeral homes—plans that meet legal and professional standards but leave out upselling and unnecessary extras. These plans are available exclusively to CMS members, ensuring they can access respectful, professional services without financial strain.

What Happens After You Register with CMS?
Joining CMS is more than just a one-time transaction—it’s a step toward informed, empowered planning. Once registered, members receive:

• A welcome package
• Access to our funeral planning registry (online and printable)
• A guide to help communicate your wishes with your family or executor

At the time of death, funeral homes can access this information directly to ensure the member’s plans are followed. We encourage members to:

• Talk with their loved ones about their plans
• Keep a copy of their preferences at home
• Attend an education session or contact us for support

This preparation helps reduce stress for families and prevents confusion when decisions matter most.

What About Pre-Payment?
CMS does not collect or manage prepayments. If you wish to prepay for your arrangements, you would do so directly with the funeral home. We do, however, encourage members to think carefully about whether prepayment is right for them. Preplanning—without prepaying—is often enough to reduce burden on your family while keeping your options flexible.

Why Funeral Homes Partner With CMS
The reduced rates we secure are not just about volume. Our partner funeral homes benefit in several key ways:

• Simplified services reduce staffing needs and overhead
• Predictable volume from CMS’s 33,000+ members helps with planning
• Administrative efficiency saves time
• Referral value from CMS’s reputation and community outreach
• Shared values in helping Albertans access ethical, affordable services

It’s a cooperative model that benefits everyone involved—and keeps our mission alive.

CMS: A Trusted Ally in Your End-of-Life Planning
At its heart, CMS exists to ensure that every Albertan can plan for the end of life with clarity, dignity, and peace of mind—without financial pressure or hidden costs. We’re grateful to professionals like social workers and estate planners who help their clients navigate these important decisions and are always here to support conversations with individuals, families, and care teams.

​Whether you're a prospective member, a care provider, or a family member helping someone plan ahead—know that CMS is here to help.

Have more questions? Want to schedule a presentation for your team? Reach out to us at [email protected].

Introduction
Life is full of surprises—some joyful, some challenging. One of the most difficult moments for any family comes with the loss of a loved one. In those moments, decisions about funeral arrangements often need to be made quickly, at a time of grief and stress. But what if those decisions were already made, leaving family and friends with space to grieve and remember?

At the Cooperative Memorial Society (CMS), we believe that taking the time to plan ahead is one of the most thoughtful and responsible things you can do for yourself and your loved ones.

Why Pre-Planning Saves Money and Stress
When you plan ahead, you’re not only sparing your family from having to make hard choices under pressure—you’re also likely to save money. Funeral expenses can add up quickly, especially if decisions are made in the heat of the moment. CMS members benefit from discounted rates with our partner funeral providers, ensuring that arrangements are made at a reasonable cost.

What Choices Are Available Through CMS
CMS partners with locally owned funeral homes throughout Alberta to offer flexible, affordable plans. Members can choose simple cremation, burial, or other options that reflect their wishes. Our plans are designed to be transparent and easy to understand, so you know exactly what you’re getting.

Key Documents Every Albertan Needs
Pre-planning isn’t just about funeral arrangements. Every adult in Alberta should consider having four essential documents in place:

• Will and Estate Plan
• Personal Directive (for health care decisions)
• Enduring Power of Attorney (for financial decisions)
• Funeral and Burial Preferences (which CMS can help document)

These documents ensure that your wishes are known and that your loved ones have the guidance they need.

Common Mistakes and How to Avoid Them
Many people believe prepaying for a funeral is the only way to plan ahead. While CMS supports pre-planning, we emphasize that prepaying is not required. Planning ahead means making decisions now and sharing them with your loved ones—not paying for services in advance, which (depending on your situation) can limit flexibility and create financial risks.

How CMS Makes It Easier
As a member-driven cooperative, CMS provides tools and resources to make pre-planning simple and affordable. Our online member registry allows you to record your preferences, which funeral providers can access at the time of need. Our workshops, educational materials, and one-on-one support are designed to guide you through every step.

Call to Action
Ready to take the first step? Join CMS today for just $40 and give yourself and your family the gift of peace of mind. You can learn more by visiting our website or calling us at 403-248-2044.

Closing
Planning ahead isn’t about dwelling on the end—it’s about making sure your family is supported and your wishes are respected. CMS is here to help you create a thoughtful plan that brings comfort and clarity for years to come.

​On April 28, 2025, Canadians will head to the polls during a pivotal federal election. As we face major challenges in affordability, housing, and social cohesion, the co-operative model offers real solutions rooted in community, compassion, and fairness.
​
The Cooperative Memorial Society (CMS) is proud to be part of Canada’s co-operative movement. We believe every Albertan deserves affordable, dignified end-of-life planning — and we’re using this election as a platform to make our voices heard.

What We're Doing
CMS is participating in a nationwide effort to:

• Highlight the impact of co-operatives like CMS
• Share stories of affordable, community-based solutions
• Engage candidates on how co-ops strengthen our economy and social fabric

How You Can Help

1. Talk about CMS
Share a 2-minute story with friends, family, or candidates about how CMS supports thousands of Albertans with accessible funeral planning options. Post on social media using #CoopsVote.

2. Contact Your Candidates
Tell your local candidates why CMS matters. Invite them to learn more, and ask them to support co-operatives in their platforms. Download the Open Letter to send by email.

3. Write to Your Local Paper
Submit a letter to the editor about how co-operatives help with affordability and community resilience. CMS has helped thousands avoid financial hardship during life’s hardest moments.

4. Welcome Candidate Visits (Non-Partisan)
If a candidate reaches out, or you know them, share information about CMS. Our "About CMS" info sheet can be found under Forms and Resources on our website so you can share our impact clearly and professionally.

5. Vote on April 28
Make your voice count. Visit Elections Canada to find your riding, polling location, and voter ID requirements. Canada now has 343 electoral districts — many with updated boundaries and names.

Let’s make sure the word co-operative is heard loud and clear this election season. Our values of dignity, fairness, and compassion matter now more than ever.