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For numerous families, coping with the passing of a loved one is a challenging experience.
In Ontario, some third-party websites are complicating this process by republishing obituaries without the consent of grieving families, frequently for profit.
The Bereavement Authority of Ontario (BAO) is raising concerns, stating that these entities monetize obituaries without approval from relatives.
In a notice shared in the spring edition of its publication, the provincial regulatory body highlights that certain websites are duplicating death announcements and sharing them to market “in memory of” products such as flowers, candles, and tree planting services to honor the deceased.
While these offerings may seem like heartfelt tributes arranged by the family, the BAO cautions that this is often misleading. Families do not receive any compensation and may remain unaware that their loved one’s obituary has been displayed elsewhere.
“People typically discover unauthorized obituary notices for their fathers, mothers, grandparents, and others when they stumble upon them online,” the BAO remarked.
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One such platform, Afterlife.co, was mandated by a federal court in 2019 to pay $20 million in damages after a class-action lawsuit established that it profited from reposted obituaries and associated photographs. This company eventually ceased operations, according to the BAO.
However, fresh worries have emerged surrounding Echovita, a newer third-party site that appears to be functioning in a similar manner.
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According to Quebec’s business registry, this site is connected to Paco Leclerc, who was previously named as a director of Afterlife in the 2019 court decision.
Online discussions have surfaced, with users on Reddit expressing their dismay at discovering their loved ones’ obituaries on Echovita without permission. One individual recounted, “My dad’s obituary appeared on this site three hours after we posted it. They even omitted my husband’s name and all the grandkids. Talk about adding insult to injury.”
Another grieving commenter shared, “They created a completely inaccurate obituary. It makes me feel sick to my stomach.”
The BAO is advising the public to authenticate any obituary prior to purchasing memorial gifts. It recommends relying exclusively on notices posted on the websites of funeral homes that are licensed by the BAO. To verify, look for the “Licensed by the BAO” badge on the funeral home’s homepage or directly contact the funeral home.
Source
globalnews.ca