Bereavement Authority of Ontario

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/

05/25/2026

Tom Wright, former Chair of the Bereavement Authority of Ontario Board of the Directors, has passed away. --
The Board of Directors and staff of the BAO extend their deep condolences to Tom's family. He was a pioneer in the administrative authority and regulatory build-outs Ontario knows today. We commend his service and the BAO is better for his vast efforts and results advancing consumer protection in the province.
A husband, father and grandfather, Tom was a dedicated family man whose professional life reflected his dedication to public service. Called to the Ontario Bar in 1975, he worked in private practice for a decade, and in 1986, he joined the Ontario government, where he held several key positions.
Tom’s legacy of public service was highlighted by his term as the Information and Privacy Commissioner of Ontario from 1991 to 1997, and as CEO of the Real Estate Council of Ontario (RECO) from 2002 to 2014.
In more recent years Tom’s considerable dedication to public service centred on the regulatory world. Tom was BAO Board Chair from 2015 to 2018, leading the authority into the start of its operations in 2016. Appointed by the Minister of Government and Consumer Services, he served five years on the BAO Board, before his appointment as Chair of the Board of another new regulatory body, the Condominium Authority of Ontario (CAO), and was the Vice-Chair of the Resource Productivity and Recovery Authority (RPRA) from 2016 to 2024.
A memorial gathering will be held at Smith’s Funeral Home, 1167 Guelph Line (one stop light north of QEW), Burlington. on Tuesday, from 6-9 p.m.

View Thomas Alan Wright's complete obituary, share memories, and explore 9 tribute posts from the community.

05/12/2026

A key part of achieving our Bereavement Authority of Ontario Strategic Priorities is providing meaningful and timely information to you and your , and guidance to our licensed serving you in a time of . Check out our free Information Guide, BAO Public Dashboard, Public Register of Licensees, and more at https://thebao.ca/

05/04/2026

Have you had a recent in your ? Or are you planning your arrangements? We're here for you. The Bereavement Authority of Ontario is the provincial government delegated regulator protecting and overseeing the death care sector. Read our informative and easy-to-navigate website, and our Consumer Information Guide - with an overview available in 10 languages. https://thebao.ca/for-consumers/consumer-information-guide/