Bereavement Authority of Ontario

09/28/2026

Are you considering prepaying for your arrangements? Learn how it works and your options in our free Bereavement Authority of Ontario Information Guide starting on page 17. https://thebao.ca/for-consumers/consumer-information-guide/

09/14/2026

We get several questions throughout the year on natural or green burials -- often starting with:
Q> What is a '?
A> Generally, a green or natural is considered to include: an unembalmed deceased person's body, buried in a biodegradable casket or container, without a vault or grave liner. Learn more in our free BAO Consumer Information Guide on P11. https://thebao.ca/for-consumers/consumer-information-guide/

09/04/2026

The Bereavement Authority of Ontario Annual Report demonstrates progress in and in guidance to licensed — with more work to be done.
“Processing and response times from financial compliance and licensing and consumer inquiries all exceeded performance indicators ... Consumers remain at the core of the BAO’s mandate. Accuracy and responsiveness to licensees are high priorities as well ... Despite these improvements, both the Board and BAO senior management recognize more can be done.” -- BAO Board Chair Leith Coghlin. Read our annual report at

The newly published Bereavement Authority of Ontario (BAO) Annual Report for the fiscal year ended on March 31, 2026, demonstrates our progress for consumers and in guidance to licensed professionals.  “Across many metrics, the BAO exceeded its benchmarks,” writes BAO Board Chair Leith Coghlin ...

08/28/2026

It's not a subject many people like to talk about, especially when a long weekend with is coming. Unfortunately, doesn't take a holiday. If any of your family or friends have suffered a loss of a loved one recently, please share our free Bereavement Authority of Ontario Information Guide to help them know their death care options. https://thebao.ca/for-consumers/consumer-information-guide/

07/22/2026

For you & your : Read our free Bereavement Authority of Ontario Information Guide. It will help you make informed decisions for and services. It's available at funeral homes and other licensed facilities - plus online at

The BAO’s Consumer Information Guide: A Guide to Death Care in Ontario is a free consumer-protection information booklet.

07/13/2026

The Bereavement Authority of Ontario (BAO) is again unfortunately having to share information with who’ve experienced the additional stress of items being stolen or damaged at monuments, markers or .
If you see what appears to be vandalism and/or damage to your loved one’s final resting place, the BAO encourages you to contact the operator, the local police or OPP, and the BAO itself. Last summer we provided information to licensed cemetery operators and families on what to do in such circumstances. https://thebao.ca/notice-to-consumers-and-professionals-thefts-of-bronze-metals-and-damage-to-columbariums-at-several-norfolk-county-cemeteries/

06/26/2026

The Bereavement Authority of Ontario serves your as the government-delegated administrative authority of services. We provide: by enforcing the law; Information free of charge; and Guidance to who serve your family in times of for and services. https://thebao.ca/for-consumers/consumer-information-guide/

06/12/2026

Q> I've prepaid for my arrangements, but what happens if prices increase between now and then?
A> At the time of , the money held in trust (or insurance proceeds – your choice), will be used to pay for supplies and services in the contract. Costs will be based on prices in effect at the time of death. Whether you’ll have to pay additional charges depends on whether your contract is guaranteed. If you have a guaranteed contract, your (or , or legal representative) will not be asked to pay more.
To learn more, please read pages 17 to 22 of the BAO’s free Information Guide. https://thebao.ca/for-consumers/consumer-information-guide/

06/04/2026

The Bereavement Authority of Ontario works for you and your as a , not-for-profit organization overseeing the deathcare sector of homes, , , facilities, transfer services, and the we license to serve your needs at a time of loss and . To learn more, please visit our easy-to-navigate website and read our free guide.

The BAO’s Consumer Information Guide: A Guide to Death Care in Ontario is a free consumer-protection information booklet.

06/01/2026

Got a question about and care services? Our free Bereavement Authority of Ontario Information Guide has answers for you and your -- on our informative and easy-to-navigate website. https://thebao.ca/for-consumers/consumer-information-guide/