When someone dies, there are so many decisions to make, often in a short amount of time and while carrying a lot of emotion. For many families, those decisions are guided by deeply held values. And increasingly, one of those values is a desire to support local or Canadian businesses.
It’s something we see every day: people wanting their choices to reflect not just who their loved one was, but also what they stood for. Keeping things local can be one of the most meaningful ways to do that.
Why “Local” Matters, Especially Right Now
In Canada, many of the products traditionally used in death care (caskets, urns, even shrouds) are imported. A number of the larger suppliers are based in the USA, which means that pricing is influenced by tariffs, exchange rates, shipping costs, and cross-border logistics. With the Canadian dollar where it is today, those costs have been steadily rising.
Choosing locally made products isn’t just a philosophical decision; it can also be a practical one. It often means more price stability, fewer supply chain surprises, and a smaller environmental footprint. But beyond that, it’s about something bigger: keeping your dollars circulating in your own community.
Questions to Ask Your Funeral Provider About Sourcing
If supporting local matters to you, it’s okay, and even encouraged, to ask questions. Funeral homes don’t always lead with this information, but most are happy to share when asked.
Here are a few simple questions that can open the door to this conversation:
- Where are your caskets, urns, and shrouds made?
- Do you offer any Canadian-made or locally crafted options?
- Are there alternatives to imported products?
- Do you work with any local artisans or small businesses?
- Can we source something ourselves if we prefer?
You don’t need to have all the answers going in. Just asking the question shifts the conversation, and it may even lead to more meaningful, personalized options that suit your values and budget.
The Good News: Some Choices are Naturally Local
Not everything in death care comes from abroad. In fact, some of the most personal elements are already rooted close to home.
Flowers, for example, are typically arranged by local florists. Choosing seasonal blooms or working with a local grower keeps that piece of the experience grounded in your community.
The same goes for catering. If you’re hosting a gathering, you can choose caterers who prioritize locally sourced ingredients, which in turn supports farmers, bakers, and small food businesses in your community.
These choices may feel small, but together they create a meaningful ripple effect.
Our Commitment to Keeping it Close to Home
As a locally owned business, supporting other local businesses is something we care deeply about. We make a conscious effort to source Canadian-made and locally crafted products whenever possible, and to build relationships with vendors who share those values.
To highlight a few:
- Tamara MacIntyre weaves willow coffins in Victoria, BC
- Sita Then crafts and sews natural, biodegradable shrouds in Royston, BC
- ChopValue creates urns from recycled bamboo chopsticks in Vancouver, BC
- Pacific Urns crafts memorial jewelry to hold the ashes (cremated remains) in Salmon Arm, BC
and the list goes on. For more suppliers and artisans, check out this blog post.
Whether it’s working with local makers, recommending community-based services, or simply being transparent about where things come from, we believe these choices matter. Because when you choose local, you’re not just making a purchase: you’re investing in your community. You’re supporting real people, small businesses, and a network of care that extends beyond the doors of the funeral home.
A Ripple Worth Creating
There’s something powerful and exciting happening right now. Canadian businesses are leaning into one another, finding ways to collaborate, support, and strengthen local economies, and families are part of that story, too.
Keeping death care local won’t always be the default, but it can be a conscious choice. And in a time that can feel uncertain and overwhelming, choosing to align your decisions with your values, even in small ways, can feel grounding and meaningful.
Interested in planning for end of life with intention? Get in touch to talk about how to align your plans with what you care about most.
By Ngaio Davis
