Woman making end of life plans upset aquamation isn't an option in Manitoba
Death is a topic that might not be something people want to talk about, but planning can be needed for end of life steps.
When the time comes, people will have to choose between burial and cremation, but there are other options available in Canada and the United States.
One process that can lower the carbon footprint is called aquamation. It's available in a lot jurisdictions but not Manitoba.
Aquamation or alkaline hydrolysis is a process using water, heat and alkalinity to turn the body into powder. It's a more eco-friendly option, using less energy and gas than cremation.
Suzyn Hewitt, who is living with end-stage bone cancer, said she is planning this route when the time comes.
"Two to four months, two to six months (to live), and that's the deal," said Hewitt.
She's been spending some time planning her final goodbye and determined burial and cremation weren't the options for her.
"I'm afraid of bugs," she said. "I am terrified of fire."
She landed on the option of aquamation, but doesn't understand why the option isn't available in Manitoba.
"I don't understand why we don't have that choice and Saskatchewan does."
The Manitoba Funeral Service Association says it has been asking the province to add it as a service for 12 years.
"I do find it odd we don't have it yet. It seems like it would be a very simple thing to be able to sit down and add this as a disposition method," said Kevin Sweryd, the president of the association.
In a statement to CTV News, a spokesperson for the province said, "The government has committed to modernizing the bereavement legislation and comprehensive consultations – which the government will be undertaking. Research and analysis of alternatives to traditional burial and cremation, along with discussion involving consumers, industry and stakeholders, will be undertaken."
Hewitt said it is too late for that for her.
"I don't have the time. Number two, I don't have the energy to be following up on it," she said.
Despite not having the services in the province, Hewitt will get her wish. She has arranged to have her remains brought to Swift Current where she can have the disposition of her choice.
The province didn't provide a timetable on when consultations will begin and the funeral association suggests people contact their MLA if they want aquamation to be allowed in the province.
CTVNews.ca Top Stories
![](https://www.ctvnews.ca/polopoly_fs/1.6976926.1721883767!/httpImage/image.png_gen/derivatives/landscape_800/image.png)
LIVE UPDATES Critical infrastructure 'successfully protected': Jasper park officials
Jasper National Park officials in an update said all critical infrastructure in the townsite has been 'successfully protected, including the hospital, emergency services building, both elementary and junior/senior schools, activity centre and wastewater treatment plant.'
Canadian Olympic Committee removes women's soccer team's head coach over drone scandal
The Canadian Olympic Committee has removed women's national soccer team head coach Bev Priestman over a drone scandal, according to a press release from the organization.
Yukon woman narrowly escapes bear attack, credits hair clip
A woman in Yukon believes her hair clip helped save her during a bear attack.
Prince William's 2023 salary revealed in new report
Newly released financial reports show that William, the Prince of Wales, drew a salary of $42.1 million last fiscal year, his first since inheriting the vast and lucrative Duchy of Cornwall.
'I was just shocked': Jasper lodge owner on seeing property destroyed by wildfire
On Wednesday night, the owner of Maligne Lodge in Jasper, Alta., was shocked to receive a photo of her business engulfed in flames.
Mary-Ellen Turpel-Lafond likely has Indigenous DNA: report
The Law Society of British Columbia says a DNA test shows a former judge and Order of Canada recipient accused of falsely claiming to be Cree "most likely" has Indigenous heritage.
U.S. authorities have arrested 'El Mayo' Zambada, a historic leader of Mexico's Sinaloa cartel
Ismael 'El Mayo' Zambada, a historic leader of Mexico's Sinaloa cartel, and Joaquin Guzman Lopez, a son of another infamous cartel leader, were arrested by U.S. authorities in Texas on Thursday, the U.S. Justice Department said.
Harris pushes Netanyahu to ease suffering in Gaza: 'I will not be silent'
U.S. Vice President Kamala Harris pressured Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu on Thursday to help reach a Gaza ceasefire deal that would ease the suffering of Palestinian civilians, striking a tougher tone than President Joe Biden.
'She led it the whole way': 18-year-old B.C. woman leads hikers to safety in Jasper National Park
As fire threatened people in Jasper National Park, Colleen Knull sprung into action.