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Find answers to frequently asked questions about our funeral services, ceremony options, legal issues, and pre-arrangements here.

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Frequently Asked Questions

Why make pre-arrangements?

A death can be predictable or completely unexpected. In any case, it is always a difficult ordeal for your loved ones on many levels; the procedures and decisions to be made pile up and can be a heavy burden.

How can I be sure that the contract will be respected?

When you pay for pre-arrangements, 90% of the money you pay is placed in a strictly regulated escrow account at a financial institution. The company cannot use this money. Therefore, your money is safe and you are protected from any risk, for example, in the event of the company's bankruptcy.

The contract is also registered with the Office de la protection du consommateur (Consumer Protection Office) to protect you. Furthermore, since 2021, a Register of Funeral Arrangement Contracts allows your loved ones to locate your contract if needed.

Can I change or cancel my contract once signed?

The contract is modifiable and refundable at any time with Services Actuel, and you can suspend payments without penalty. Give yourself the peace of mind you deserve.

What is cremation?

Cremation is a funeral practice that involves burning the human body after death to reduce it to ashes. The process takes place in a crematorium, which contains a crematorium furnace heated to approximately 1,000 to 1,200 degrees Celsius.

Cremation vs. incineration: is there a difference?

The terms "cremation" and "incineration" refer to the same process. In fact, the term "human incineration" is a lexical error: "incineration" actually refers to the burning of objects or waste.

What is the average price of cremation in Quebec?

The cost of cremation varies depending on the services included. While a basic cremation costs approximately $350 to $390, you also need to consider purchasing an urn, a cremation casket, and legal formalities.

On average, the price for cremation with an urn is around $720 to $990 in Quebec, while the average price including transportation and legal formalities is between $1,200 and $1,400. For the price of an all-inclusive cremation, you can expect to pay between $2,000 and $5,000 depending on the services .

As for the cost of a funeral with burial, you should expect to pay between $5,000 and $10,000, or even more.

How much does a cremation without a ceremony cost?

At Service Actuel, we offer hassle-free cremation starting at just $997* . This all-inclusive package is one of the most affordable options in Montreal, especially considering that the average cost of a cremation can reach $5,000. With no hidden fees, our solution aims to ease the financial burden on your family while ensuring professional and respectful service.

Our package includes professional fees , complete coordination of funeral services , and all administrative procedures related to the death. The cremation service also includes a cremation container and a cardboard transport urn . Once the cremation is complete, we contact the family so that a member can come and collect the ashes at our complex.

This package can be personalized with premium products such as a different urn, keepsakes, memorial jewelry, floral arrangements, or personalized bookmarks (additional fees apply depending on the selection).

For those with a pre-arranged contract with us , care of the deceased is included within a 50 km radius of our facilities. In the absence of a pre-arranged contract, this care is included within a 25 km radius. Beyond this, a fee of $4/km may apply.

* Plus taxes and government registration fees. No hidden fees. Taxes will be added at checkout.

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Our services and packages

Administrative and financial procedures

Special options and conditions

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Where are you located and what areas do you serve?


Service Actuel is located in Verdun, Montreal, but we serve the entire greater metropolitan area as well as several other areas of Quebec. No matter where you are, we can coordinate the steps to support you during these difficult times.

What types of funeral packages do you offer?

We offer different packages adapted to everyone's needs and budgets:

  • Simple cremation package
  • Last tribute at your church
  • Ashes ceremony at our funeral home
  • Presence at the crematorium

Each includes essential services (transportation, coordination, administrative procedures, cremation container, etc.) to ensure a transparent approach with no hidden costs.

Do you only offer cremation services?

Although cremation is at the heart of our offering, we can also organize memorial ceremonies, religious or civil tributes and assist you with specific needs.

Is the body of the deceased cremated alone?

Yes, always. Each deceased is cremated individually, with the utmost respect and in accordance with current standards.

Do I have to notify the government of the death myself?

No. Our team will notify the appropriate government authorities, saving you from having to take additional steps during your time of grief.

Are you going to order the death certificate?

Yes. We prepare and submit the official application to the Registrar of Civil Status. You will receive the necessary documents directly, without having to handle them yourself.

Do you accept the Retraite Québec death benefit to pay for your services?

Yes. The death benefit can be applied directly to the payment of our services, according to the terms and conditions set out by Retraite Québec. We will guide you through the process to facilitate access.

Do you offer delivery of ashes?

Yes. We can arrange for the secure delivery of your ashes to your home or a location of your choice. You can also pick them up directly from our facility if you prefer.

If I make pre-arrangements, will the price increase at the time of death?

Never! The price agreed upon when signing the pre-arrangements is guaranteed. This protects you and your loved ones against any future increases.

Do you offer embalming (thanatopraxy)?

Yes, embalming is offered as an option, mainly when a viewing or ceremony with presentation of the body is desired.

What to do if the deceased is outside your region?

We can arrange transportation of the deceased to our facility. Additional fees may apply depending on the distance, but we always ensure cost transparency.

Are there any government taxes or fees in addition to the packages?

Yes. As with any service in Quebec, GST and QST apply to packages. Additionally, certain government fees (such as copies of death certificates) may apply, but we explain these clearly to you from the outset.

Our services and packages

Where are you located and what areas do you serve?


Service Actuel is located in Verdun, Montreal, but we serve the entire greater metropolitan area as well as several other areas of Quebec. No matter where you are, we can coordinate the steps to support you during these difficult times.

What types of funeral packages do you offer?

We offer different packages adapted to everyone's needs and budgets:

  • Simple cremation package
  • Last tribute at your church
  • Ashes ceremony at our funeral home
  • Presence at the crematorium

Each includes essential services (transportation, coordination, administrative procedures, cremation container, etc.) to ensure a transparent approach with no hidden costs.

Do you only offer cremation services?

Although cremation is at the heart of our offering, we can also organize memorial ceremonies, religious or civil tributes and assist you with specific needs.

Is the body of the deceased cremated alone?

Yes, always. Each deceased is cremated individually, with the utmost respect and in accordance with current standards.

Do you offer delivery of ashes?

Yes. We can arrange for the secure delivery of your ashes to your home or a location of your choice. You can also pick them up directly from our facility if you prefer.

Administrative and financial procedures

Do you accept the Retraite Québec death benefit to pay for your services?

Yes. The death benefit can be applied directly to the payment of our services, according to the terms and conditions set out by Retraite Québec. We will guide you through the process to facilitate access.

Are you going to order the death certificate?

Yes. We prepare and submit the official application to the Registrar of Civil Status. You will receive the necessary documents directly, without having to handle them yourself.

Do I have to notify the government of the death myself?

No. Our team will notify the appropriate government authorities, saving you from having to take additional steps during your time of grief.

If I make pre-arrangements, will the price increase at the time of death?

Never! The price agreed upon when signing the pre-arrangements is guaranteed. This protects you and your loved ones against any future increases.

Special options and conditions

Do you offer embalming (thanatopraxy)?

Yes, embalming is offered as an option, mainly when a viewing or ceremony with presentation of the body is desired.

What to do if the deceased is outside your region?

We can arrange transportation of the deceased to our facility. Additional fees may apply depending on the distance, but we always ensure cost transparency.

Are there any government taxes or fees in addition to the packages?

Yes. As with any service in Quebec, GST and QST apply to packages. Additionally, certain government fees (such as copies of death certificates) may apply, but we explain these clearly to you from the outset.