Policies
RCMP Burials at 'Depot' Division
I thank Toronto Vet Jack O'Reilly who explored the following policy matter which is worthy of publication.
RCMP Policy: Burials at 'Depot' Division
For a former member to be entitled to a burial at 'Depot' or in fact have entitlement to any Force Funeral and Burial entitlements the key is this: "the former member must have "retired" with an immediate annuity or annual allowance under the RCMPSA or RCMP Pension Continuation Act (Admin. Policy refers: II.8.8.2.6.) or, unless the member died while in service.
In the latest RCMP policy published September 12, 2007, included for the first time is the eligibility of retired members who had commenced receiving an annuity, and subsequently were re-employed elsewhere and surrendered his/her pension, to not lose their entitlement (Admin. Policy refers: II.8.8.2.11).
Summary: As long as a member had received a pension from their service with the RCMP they would be eligible to be laid to rest at 'Depot'. One could think of it as: "in recognition of their long service with the Force", but...provided they left the Force with pension. Bottom line is unless you died while serving or retired and in receipt of a pension, you cannot be buried in 'Depot'.
The following details regarding RCMP burials at 'Depot' Division were kindly provided by 'Depots' Chaplaincy Service.
1. Reservations for internment at the RCMP 'Depot' Cemetery at Regina, SK
Advance reservations for a plot at 'Depot' Division are not necessary since there is ample space for burials for many, many years.
2. Estate Planning and Action by Executor & Next of Kin
The estate executor or the next of kin should contact the RCMP Compensation Advisor in the Division that the member last served. Upon death of a member, Human Resources also send the death particulars to Compensation Branch.
As a regular part of your estate planning, it is recommended you discuss your burial entitlements with Compensation Branch.
3. Entitlements & Costs
Burials at 'Depot' are mostly free. There is no charge for the plot, use of the Chapel or the Force Chaplain. There is no charge for a regimental marker or a face plate for a serving or retired member.
There is no charge for opening and closing of ground internment of ashes, if the work crew can prepare the site before 2 p.m.
However, if the work crew has to prepare the site after 2 p.m. the cost is based on the actual time of work not a flat rate.
The usual cost is about $100 for ground internments of ashes. There is a cost of between $160-$200 for burial of caskets because a contractor is required.
Costs related to a marker for the survivor of a member or vet are not paid for.
4. Contact for Grave Markers
Remco Memorials is recommended as a good contact for gravesite markers as they have branch offices across Canada. Remco Memorials can be contacted locally or through their 1-800 number.
5. Choice and Booking of Burial Services
You have a choice of: a) ground burial of ashes, b) ground burial of a casket or c) internment in a columbarium (a wall like structure with niches)
You can choose to have a full funeral service if you have not had one at the home location (approx. 35 minutes or longer), or, you can choose to have an internment service at the chapel if you already had the funeral at the home location (8 to 10 minutes) or you can choose just to have a graveside service with no funeral or internment service. All members are entitled to a Last March across the parade square to the cemetery no matter what type of service they choose.
Coordination for the date and time of the internment service can be made with the 'Depot' Chaplain who will then book it. For a burial service call Chaplain Rev. Jean Morisset at Office:(306)780-7448 or Cell Phone: (306)502-1170 and a funeral booking form will be sent plus additional helpful information.
6. Reception
The RCMP Veterans' Ladies' Auxiliary will serve a marvelous luncheon for $1.65 per person. Minimum $50 charge. Service includes: sandwiches, squares, coffee, tea and juice for children.
The Auxiliary must know how many people are expected at the service and they will prepare foods based on numbers you have suggested.
The reception is in the RCMP Officers' Mess. There is no charge for its use. The Ladies Auxiliary will book the Officers' Mess.
Please call the Ladies' Auxiliary to ascertain if they are able to handle the reception and to make arrangements. The Chaplain is not responsible for the reception after the funeral service.
For the reception, please contact Marj Ostrum at (306) 543-7319 or Lorna Loftus at (306) 586-1324.
RCMP Policy: Overseas Gravesites
The policy issue on providing Regimental Markers on Vets' graves overseas was raised by Kingston Vet Jack Hickman. RCMP Headquarters has advised that Regimental Markers are not provided for overseas graves.
National RCMP Policy for Death Benefits and Graves
The RCMP National Compensation Policy Centre (NCPC) oversees the policy for benefits and matters related to deaths and graves.
Queries regarding benefits or Force policy can be forwarded to:
NCPCPolicyInquiries.295COV.NCR_REMOTE@rcmp-grc.gc.ca
Personal contact
C/M Denis Tanguay of the NCPC is the RCMP employee overseeing this policy.Denis can be contacted at:
Phone:613-993-2684
Fax:613-993-0795
Denis.Tanguay@rcmp-grc.gc.ca
Yours truly,
Chris Manders, Sgt.
OHS Program Policy
Ph:613-949-9301
Effective: October 22, 2009