Title: Quebec’s Death Certificate Delays Reach Frustrating New Heights, Families Left in Limbo
After promises to improve the efficiency of issuing death certificates in Quebec, the wait-time has only worsened. Last spring, registering a death in Quebec took an average of 40 to 45 working days, even for complete applications. However, by the end of May, this wait-time had ballooned to 52 days, according to recent statistics from the Employment Ministry.
Jane Blanchard, with two decades of experience handling death certificate applications at a Montreal funeral home, expresses dismay at the unprecedented delays. Pending applications from as far back as January reflect a broken system where families are left in limbo without crucial documentation.
One such family, that of Graham Baker, has been waiting seven months for his death certificate. His daughter, Lynda Baker-Thorslund, struggles to navigate financial matters and access accounts without the necessary paperwork. Despite efforts to check the status of the application, including contacting officials and trying to use an online verification link, the process remains opaque and frustrating.
The bureaucratic hurdles faced by families are exacerbated by incomplete applications being set aside until later review, leading to additional delays. While the government points to an increase in deaths due to an aging population as a contributing factor, families continue to suffer from the consequences of prolonged waits.
Efforts are being made to alleviate the backlog, with promises of reducing wait times to 20 working days by the end of 2024. However, the roller-coaster of delays and temporary solutions has left many feeling exasperated and stranded in a maze of paperwork.
Despite the ministry’s recruitment of new staff and the implementation of automated processes, families like the Bakers remain caught in a cycle of uncertainty and frustration. With no immediate solutions in sight, the plight of those awaiting essential documents underscores the urgent need for a streamlined, efficient system.
After promises to improve the efficiency of issuing death certificates in Quebec, the wait-time has only worsened. Last spring, registering a death in Quebec took an average of 40 to 45 working days, even for complete applications. However, by the end of May, this wait-time had ballooned to 52 days, according to recent statistics from the Employment Ministry.
Jane Blanchard, with two decades of experience handling death certificate applications at a Montreal funeral home, expresses dismay at the unprecedented delays. Pending applications from as far back as January reflect a broken system where families are left in limbo without crucial documentation.
One such family, that of Graham Baker, has been waiting seven months for his death certificate. His daughter, Lynda Baker-Thorslund, struggles to navigate financial matters and access accounts without the necessary paperwork. Despite efforts to check the status of the application, including contacting officials and trying to use an online verification link, the process remains opaque and frustrating.
The bureaucratic hurdles faced by families are exacerbated by incomplete applications being set aside until later review, leading to additional delays. While the government points to an increase in deaths due to an aging population as a contributing factor, families continue to suffer from the consequences of prolonged waits.
Efforts are being made to alleviate the backlog, with promises of reducing wait times to 20 working days by the end of 2024. However, the roller-coaster of delays and temporary solutions has left many feeling exasperated and stranded in a maze of paperwork.
Despite the ministry’s recruitment of new staff and the implementation of automated processes, families like the Bakers remain caught in a cycle of uncertainty and frustration. With no immediate solutions in sight, the plight of those awaiting essential documents underscores the urgent need for a streamlined, efficient system.
