Reinstate shroud burials in Quebec

Thanks to Quebec residents for signing this petition on the national Assembly site!

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Click here to access the petition (Petition text in French only)

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PETITION: Request to reinstate shroud burials in Quebec

  1. Considering section 110 of the Regulations respecting the Funeral Services Act, which states that “For any burials, the corpse must be placed in a casket in such a way as to prevent spillage and to allow safe handling of the corpse”;
  2. Considering that natural burial in shrouds is one of the most environmentally-friendly practices available (no toxic emissions, no harmful products and minimal resource consumption);
  3. Considering that shroud sites preserve natural habitats:

Tend to maintain the land as grassland/woodland, support biodiversity and create sustainable memorial spaces.

Absence of emissions associated with cremation/casket making and those associated with transport and maintenance of traditional cemeteries.

As the body decomposes, nutrients are returned to the ecosystem.

  1. Considering that in Canada, a funeral with burial costs between $5,000 and $25,000, and that the shroud option is at the lower end of the cost range;
  2. Considering that, traditionally, Muslims and Jews wish to be buried in shrouds;
  3. Considering that none of the 10 Canadian provinces, except Quebec, prohibit burial in shrouds;
  4. Considering that the demand for ecological options is growing in Canada, and around the world;
  5. Considering that Quebec residents should have the right to choose funeral practices in accordance with their values and beliefs.

We, the undersigned, ask the Quebec National Assembly to amend the Act respecting funeral activities to allow burial in shrouds as a legal alternative to coffins.

Reinstate Shroud Burial in Québec! 

Who likes to talk about death, or worse still, their own funeral arrangements? Yet it has never been more important to talk about it than now!

Did you know that today, more than 80% of people in Quebec opt for cremation, one of the most polluting disposition methods: You could drive almost 7,725 km on the energy used to cremate one person.

You might think that all you have to do is choose a healthier method, but it’s not that simple… and worse still:

Since 2019, unlike the rest of Canada, Quebec has made it illegal to choose the most minimalist and environmentally friendly method available: burial in a simple shroud.

There is NO scientific reason to justify such a decision by the Quebec government. That is why we are asking all Quebecers to sign and share this petition EN MASSE.

Thank you!