Green Goodbyes: Exploring Sustainable Death Care

Behind the Scenes of Goodbye: Logistics and Rituals of Death

In this episode of Sorry For Your Loss, we explore what happens in the hours and days after someone dies—before they reach their final resting place. What actually happens between the deathbed and the gravesite, the crematorium, or wherever a person’s remains are destined to go? First, we join Mount Pleasant Group funeral director Sarah Mannone to take a look at the unseen world of transfer teams and funeral logistics. Then, we speak with Rev. Dr. Karen Hamilton, an ordained minister, interfaith consultant, and former General Secretary of the Canadian Council of Churches who brings a rich understanding of the rituals, customs, and cultural differences that shape how we honour the dead. From faith-based traditions to modern shifts in funeral planning, we explore how the steps after death are deeply human, and never one-size-fits-all. Links & Resources Visit the Mount Pleasant Group website [https://www.mountpleasantgroup.com/] for more information and resources. Please note that the opinions expressed by the hosts and guests are their own and do not necessarily represent the views or beliefs of Mount Pleasant Group. ---------------------------------------- Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy [https://acast.com/privacy] for more information.

The Fine Print of Dying: Regulation, Rights, and Protection

In this episode of Sorry For Your Loss, we unpack how Ontario’s death-care system works—and why strong consumer protections matter when families are grieving. First, Laura Tamblyn Watts, CEO of CanAge and consumer representative on the BAO board, explains what rights Ontarians have, the real costs of funerals and cremations, and why planning ahead can prevent stress and overspending. Then, Jim Cassimatis, former Registrar of the Bereavement Authority of Ontario, takes us inside the regulator’s role: how complaints are handled, what rules providers must follow, and the safeguards in place to ensure fairness and transparency. Links & Resources * Visit the Mount Pleasant Group website [https://www.mountpleasantgroup.com/] for more information and resources. * The Bereavement Authority of Ontario’s Consumer Information Guide [https://thebao.ca/wp-content/uploads/BAO_CIG_Eng_July2025.pdf] This episode features an interview with Jim Cassimatis. The interview was recorded in early 2025 when he was still serving in the role of Registrar of the Bereavement Authority of Ontario. Jim left that position in Summer 2025. Please note that the opinions expressed by the hosts and guests are their own and do not necessarily represent the views or beliefs of Mount Pleasant Group. ---------------------------------------- Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy [https://acast.com/privacy] for more information.

Honouring Lives: The Art of Eulogies and Obituaries

In this episode of Sorry For Your Loss, we explore how we speak about the dead—and why it matters. From traditional newspaper tributes to personal videos and self-written obits, the way we honour people after they’re gone is changing. First, Denise and John hear about the art of writing and delivering eulogies from Reverend Dr. Brent Hawkes, who was Senior Pastor at the Metropolitan Community Church of Toronto for over 40 years. Then, longtime Globe & Mail obituary writer and author Sandra Martin joins Denise in conversation to unpack what makes a good obituary, how to find the right words in the face of loss, and why these tributes can be just as meaningful for the living as they are for the dead. Links & Resources * Visit the Mount Pleasant Group website [https://www.mountpleasantgroup.com/] for more information and resources * A Good Death: Making The Most of Our Final Choices [https://sandramartinwrites.com/a-good-death-making-the-most-of-our-final-choices/] by Sandra Martin * Great Canadian Lives: A Cultural History of Modern Canada through the Art of the Obit [https://sandramartinwrites.com/other-books/great-canadian-lives/]by Sandra Martin Please note that the opinions expressed by the hosts and guests are their own and do not necessarily represent the views or beliefs of Mount Pleasant Group. ---------------------------------------- Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy [https://acast.com/privacy] for more information.

Small Voices, Big Questions: Talking to Kids About Death

In this episode of Sorry For Your Loss, we explore how to talk to children about death—what to say, how to say it, and how to support them through grief. Sarah Keast shares her story of losing her husband and how she spoke with her young daughters about his death.  Then, Denise sits down with Kitrina Fex, Executive Director of Hospice Mississauga and creator of the HUUG program, to learn how grief shows up in children and how caregivers can help them feel seen, supported, and safe. Links & Resources * Visit the Mount Pleasant Group website [https://www.mountpleasantgroup.com/] for more information and resources. * Learn more about the HUUG program [https://hospicemississauga.ca/how-we-help/huug-program/] Please note that the opinions expressed by the hosts and guests are their own and do not necessarily represent the views or beliefs of Mount Pleasant Group. ---------------------------------------- Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy [https://acast.com/privacy] for more information.

Green Goodbyes: Exploring Sustainable Death Care

In this episode of Sorry For Your Loss, we explore what it means to die in a way that honours not just the individual, but the planet. We begin with Jim Cassimatis, the former registrar at the Bereavement Authority of Ontario, who helps us understand how death care is regulated, what protections are in place for consumers, and where sustainability fits into the current system. Then, we meet Quinn Hunter, a licensed funeral director and passionate advocate for greener practices, whose own journey into the field began with helping her mother plan a funeral. From aquamation to forest interment, we hear about the alternatives to traditional burials and cremations, the barriers that still exist, and what’s changing as more people begin to ask: can death be sustainable? Links & Resources * Visit the Mount Pleasant Group website [https://www.mountpleasantgroup.com/] for more information and resources. * Bereavement Authority of Ontario’s Consumer Information Guide [https://thebao.ca/for-consumers/consumer-information-guide/] * Quinn Hunter’s green burial co-op, Return To The Earth [https://www.returntotheearth.ca/] * Tillwell [https://tillwell.ca/], Manitoba’s first licensed aquamation provider Please note that the opinions expressed by the hosts and guests are their own and do not necessarily represent the views or beliefs of Mount Pleasant Group. ---------------------------------------- Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy [https://acast.com/privacy] for more information.