What to do when someone dies in Calgary
Losing someone is overwhelming, and knowing where to begin is hard. This guide walks you through the immediate steps to take in Calgary, Alberta, and connects you with trusted local support.
Get a Medical Certificate of Death
If the passing occurred at home, call 911 or the attending physician. If at a hospital or care facility, the staff will assist in providing this necessary document.
Contact a Funeral Home
Use this directory to find a trusted funeral home nearby. They will arrange the transfer of your loved one and help guide you through the next legal and ceremonial steps.
Notify Close Family and Friends
Reach out to immediate family members and close friends. You may want to ask a trusted friend to help make these calls to ease your burden.
Locate Important Documents
Look for a Will, pre-arranged funeral plans, life insurance policies, and identification documents (SIN, birth certificate) which will be needed in the coming days.
Registering the death in Alberta
In Calgary, the funeral home files the Registration of Death with an Alberta registry agent on your behalf; you can then order a death certificate through Alberta Vital Statistics or any registry agent.
In Alberta, funeral businesses and funeral directors are licensed and regulated by the Alberta Funeral Services Regulatory Board (AFSRB). You can confirm a Calgary provider’s licence with the AFSRB.
Funeral homes in Calgary
McInnis & Holloway Funeral Homes
Evan J. Strong Funeral Home
Heritage Funeral Home
Frequently asked questions
What is the first thing to do when someone dies in Alberta?
Get a legal pronouncement of death. If the person was in hospital or hospice care, staff handle it; if they died at home unexpectedly, call 911. A medical professional must formally confirm the death before any arrangements can begin.
How do I register a death in Alberta?
In Alberta, the funeral home files the Registration of Death with a registry agent on your behalf. You can then order a death certificate through Alberta Vital Statistics.
Do I need a funeral home to register the death?
In most of Canada the funeral provider files the death registration with Vital Statistics on your behalf as part of making arrangements. You then order death certificates, which you'll need to settle the estate.
How many death certificates will I need?
Most families order several certified copies — banks, insurers, CPP, land titles, and pension offices may each require one. Ordering 5–10 copies up front is common.
Last reviewed June 2026 · Information only, not legal advice.