Memorial Society of Northern Ontario SERVING THE PUBLIC INTEREST SINCE 1979

Memorial Societies Are the only independent source of consumer information about funeral planning and low-cost funerals in North America. "Contact your local memorial society. These non-profit funeral information societies are there to help you plan a funeral that meets your personal and financial needs." - CBC Market Place January 16, 2002 "Dying is one of the few events in life certain to occur, yet one we are not likely to plan for. We spend more time getting ready for two weeks away from work than we do our last time on Earth". - Time Magazine September 2000 REMEMBER - Take advantage of us so no one takes advantage of you.

Funeral Costs Did you know a funeral is one of the three or four most expensive purchases you will make in a lifetime? The average funeral cost in Ontario in 2004 is approximately $6, We all have consumer skills but we forget them when we shop for funerals. REMEMBER - Take advantage of us so no one takes advantage of you.

About Us As the only independent funeral consumer organization in North Eastern Ontario the Memorial Society of Northern Ontario. Is a non-profit, volunteer-run organization incorporated in the Province of Ontario. Is part of a worldwide movement whose purpose is to educate the public. Advocates funeral planning. When you plan your own funeral, you remove the burden from your family. Increases public awareness about the availability of low cost funerals. Serving the public interest throughout North Eastern Ontario.

About Us As the only independent funeral consumer organization in North Eastern Ontario the Memorial Society of Northern Ontario. Informs you about your legal rights as a consumer in Ontario. Provides our members with a member’s kit, which includes a price survey, a funeral planning form and a personal information document. Our telephone volunteers provide help on request. Provides 24-hour answering service. Serving the public interest throughout North Eastern Ontario.

WHY SHOULD I PLAN MY FUNERAL? Planning gives you the opportunity to choose a funeral plan you can afford, preventing a possible financial burden for your loved ones at the time of death; Planning saves your family from an administrative burden at time of grieving and allows them to concentrate on personal aspects of the ceremony; Planning provides direction to the executor of your estate; Planning involves your family in making these difficult decisions, provides opportunities for everyone to discuss personal preferences and personal feelings; Planning means every detail can be arranged according to your wishes; and Planning guarantees that personal records are organized so that essential personal information is available at time of death.

But… Funeral planning is for everyone. It relieves your family of difficult choices and unnecessary expenses; it allows your family to make important decisions without the pressures of illness or circumstance; it is an important part of getting your estate in order. ISN’T FUNERAL PLANNING PRIMARILY FOR OLDER PEOPLE?

Payment Yes, you can file your plan at the funeral home now and fund it at a later date. At the very least, we encourage you to complete your arrangements using our planning form. Only when you are ready, should you visit your local funeral home. Funeral homes in Ontario offer trust funds that are secure. Before you prepay your funeral, consider funding that may be available from insurance, employer, CPP and other sources. CAN I MAKE FUNERAL ARRANGEMENTS NOW AND PAY LATER?

Compare Prices It is always smart to compare prices, and it is your right as a consumer. When you become a member of the Memorial Society we provide you with a price survey. However, price alone may not be the determining factor for you. Your personal wishes as well as those of your family should be considered. The funeral home’s reputation and your personal experience may also be important to you. SHOULD I COMPARE PRICES BEFORE COMMITTING TO A FUNERAL HOME?

Contact Us To become a member of the Memorial Society of Northern Ontario, or to receive our brochure contact us at: Telephone (Sudbury area): (705) Toll Free: cano .com