Will the Physical Body be Buried or Cremated?

Will the Physical Body be Buried or Cremated?

Believe it or not, far more people are cremated every year than are buried. In fact, 7 out of 10 deceased Canadians were cremated in 2018 and we can expect that number to continuously rise in the coming years - just as it has steadily for the last several decades. This trend has created a shift in the funeral industry, but it does not account for all Canadians. There are still 1 in 4 who were buried this past year. What’s the right choice for you or your family?

The Rise in Cremation

In Canada and North America as a whole, cremation is the most popular death care choice. It’s affordable and presents a variety of options for how families can keep or distribute the ashes. The traditional option is to put ashes in an urn and either place them in a columbarium or keep them in the family home. The other common choice is scattering the ashes which, depending on where you are in Canada, is generally limited to crown land or private land with the owners' consent. This is not limiting and most people find these laws to be perfectly accommodating to them or their deceased loved one’s dying wish. People have found some other ways to use them as well, by infusing them with paint, creating jewellery, inserting them into shotgun shells (actually), storing them in statues and so much more. 

Cremation fact: According to the Cremation Association of North America, by 2023 Canada’s cremation numbers will skyrocket, with a predicted 76.9% of the deceased being cremated that year. 

Burial Isn’t going anywhere

Despite the rise in cremation, burial is going to remain a popular death care choice for many people in Canada. Some people have their loved ones buried because their culture requires the burying of the dead. For example, Christian, Jewish and Islamic faiths have strong social and religious commitments to burial. Others opt for burial because it has been a tradition in their family or community. 

One of the benefits of burial is having a permanent gravesite that can be visited by family for generations to come. Visiting the gravesite also has religious and spiritual significance for many groups. Many families also believe that burial is the most dignified and complete goodbye, because it is part of a full-service funeral. 

The Choice is Up to You

No matter what you choose, you can rest assured that death care services in Canada are provided at a high standard and with a great deal of care. It is all about the final wishes of your loved one, whether pre-arranged or shared in another way or what you decide in their stead. You can learn more about specific burial and cremation services by visiting the website of or contacting your local funeral home. They will be able to explain the details of each choice down to the last line item, so that, regardless of which firm you choose to turn to or which final disposition you decide upon, you will be able to make an informed decision. 
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