What to do when someone dies in Montreal
Losing someone is overwhelming, and knowing where to begin is hard. This guide walks you through the immediate steps to take in Montreal, Quebec, 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 Quebec
In Quebec, the death is declared to the Directeur de l’état civil. The funeral cooperative or home typically files the declaration, and you order copies of the act of death afterward.