What to do when someone dies
Death-related documents
Documents you may need to obtain following a death.
Proof of death
You can use a statement of death or a death certificate as proof of death. The statement of death is sufficient in most situations to notify the federal government of a death.
Statement of death
A statement of death is issued by the funeral home.
Death certificate
A death certificate is issued by the province or territory where the death occurred.
Contact your province or territory to obtain a death certificate:
- Alberta
- British Columbia
- Manitoba
- New Brunswick
- Newfoundland and Labrador
- Northwest Territories
- Nova Scotia
- Nunavut
- Ontario
- Prince Edward Island
- Québec
- Saskatchewan
- Yukon
Documentation for a death outside of Canada
If the person died outside of Canada, refer to Death outside of Canada to find out what documents are needed when a death happens in a foreign country.
Mental health support
If you need help working through grief, or just need someone to talk to, you can always call a help line.