Policy on the purchase of RCMP Regimental markers and Care of Members' Graves

The RCMP will pay for the manufacture, transportation and placement of a:

Regimental headstone or marker, if the burial takes place in Canada;

or a

Non-regimental headstone or marker of their choice to a maximum of $220, provided there is a reference (ie: crest of the Force) on the headstone or marker to the member's service in the RCMP.

NOTES:

  1. Next of kin ought to be aware that the choice of headstone or marker must comply with local cemetery rules and restrictions. Also, Regimental headstones or markers provided by the RCMP bear a uniform inscription and no change from the format is allowed.
  2. Retired pensioners have the option of purchasing their headstone or marker in advance. Reimbursement can be made when the headstone or marker is being placed on a pre-arranged family plot.
  3. For serving members, the cost of a plot for earth burial or a columbarium niche for the inurnment of the cremated remains, at local prevailing rates, is the RCMP's responsibility.
  4. If a member dies in service, the cost of perpetual care, a concrete or similar enclosure when necessary, and labour costs to open and close the grave are the RCMP's responsibility.
  5. Each grave on which a regimental headstone or marker has been erected will be maintained at public expense. The specifications for regimental headstones and markers are outlined in RCMP Administration policy: App. II-8-1.
  6. For a former member who had retired with an immediate annuity or annual allowance under the RCMPSA or RCMP Pension Continuation Act, the next of kin will be responsible for plot and perpetual care, a concrete or similar enclosure when necessary, and labour costs to open and close the grave, unless the former member is buried in an RCMP designated cemetery.
  7. If a member retires and commences receiving an annuity, and subsequently is re-employed elsewhere and surrenders his/her pension, the former member would still be entitled, in accordance with current directives, to a marker and/or plot in an RCMP-designated cemetery in recognition of service in the RCMP.
  8. Goods and Services Tax is also paid on items such as the Regimental marker.
  9. If a person entitled to custody of the remains of the member wishes to make more costly funeral arrangements than provided for in this directive, the additional cost will not be payable from public funds.
  10. Members are encouraged to include Regimental markers as a part of their estate planning.

The following information was kindly provided by Chaplain Salerno of Regina, Saskatchewan:

As stated previously, the RCMP will pay for a Regimental Marker for the serving/retired member, however, costs are not paid for the survivor.

Engraving of a columbarium for the non-member is at family expense. If you want a common marker for a grave, RCMP will pay you the equivalent amount of a regimental marker towards a preferred headstone.

Regarding headstones or engraving, here are four monument companies in Regina that you can choose from:

  • Regina Memorial Gardens 1 306 791 6789. Website.
  • Remco Memorials toll free at 1 800 667-5994. Website.
  • W. P. Monumental Co. toll free at 1-877 352-5253. Website.
  • Youngs Memorials toll free at 1-866-352-7372. Website.

Each company will want a confirmation of the engraving indicating that the spelling and information are all correct. That can be done by fax, email or mail back a confirmation of the wording, spelling and dates. They will guide you through the process.

*Further enquires can be made at the local RCMP Administration Office.
August 26, 2008