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
'They needed people inside Air Canada:' Police announce arrests in Pearson gold heist
Police say one former and one current employee of Air Canada are among the nine suspects that are facing charges in connection with the gold heist at Pearson International Airport last year.
Why drivers in Eastern Canada could see big gas price spikes, and other Canadians won't
Drivers in Eastern Canada face a big increase in gas prices because of various factors, especially the higher cost of the summer blend, industry analysts say.
BREAKING Toronto Raptors player Jontay Porter banned from NBA
Toronto Raptors player Jontay Porter has been handed a lifetime ban from The National Basketball Association (NBA) following an investigation which found he disclosed confidential information to sports bettors, the league says.
WATCH LIVE As GC Strategies partner is admonished by MPs, RCMP confirms search warrant executed
The RCMP confirmed Wednesday it had executed a search warrant at an address registered to GC Strategies. This development comes as MPs are enacting an extraordinary, rarely used parliamentary power, summoning one of its contractors to appear before the House of Commons to be admonished publicly for failing to answer questions related to the ArriveCan app.
Disappointment widespread over budget's proposed $200-month disability benefit funding
Advocacy groups across Canada are expressing widespread disappointment about the amount of funding earmarked in the 2024 federal budget for the long-awaited Canada Disability Benefit.
Earthquake jolts southern Japan
An earthquake with a preliminary magnitude of 6.4 hit southern Japan late on Wednesday, said the Japan Meteorological Agency, without issuing a tsunami warning.
opinion Don Martin: Gusher of Liberal spending won't put out the fire in this dumpster
A Hail Mary rehash of the greatest hits from the Trudeau government’s three-week travelling pony-show, the 2024 federal budget takes aim at reversing the party’s popularity plunge in the under-40 set, writes political columnist Don Martin. But will it work before the next election?
Woman who pressured boyfriend to kill his ex in 2000s granted absences from prison
A woman who pressured her boyfriend into killing his teenage ex more than a decade ago will be allowed to leave prison for weeks at a time.
Former Sask. massage therapist who sexually assaulted clients has day parole revoked
A former massage therapist who pleaded guilty to a string of sexual assaults has had his day parole revoked.