Executor To-Do List

At the time of the funeral arrangements, or the service, Funeral Director’s Statement of Death are provided.  Most claims can be settled with these certificates.  Certain circumstances, however, require official proof of death in the form of a death certificate from the Province of Manitoba (for example, transfer of titles of real estate). 

If the decedent contributed to the Canada Pension Plan for at least three (3) years, a lump sum death benefit may be available to the estate.  Additionally, a monthly survivor’s pension may be paid to the surviving spouse and/or dependant children. 

Note: These benefits must be applied for; they are not paid automatically. 

If the decedent was currently receiving pension or disability payments from the Canada Pension Plan, the full monthly benefit is due and payable for the entire month that the death occurred. 

Mail to: Canada Pension Plan 

PO Box 818 Station Main 

Winnipeg, Manitoba  R3C 2N4 

Phone: 1-800-277-9914 

In Person:  

3338 Portage Avenue  

1001 St. Mary’s Road 

2599 Main Street  

100-81 Higgins Avenue 

391 York Avenue  

Bi-lingual service - 100 - 614 des Meurons Stree

If mail for the deceased is to be redirected, the Post Office requires a Funeral Director’s Statement of Death and proof of appointment as the legal representative or a satisfactory indemnity, by providing one of the following documents: Grant of Letters Probate or Letters of Administration (with or without the Will attached). 

All life insurance policies should be reviewed.  Even those policies where premiums have not been paid for a number of years might still be in effect, through some agreement stated in the policy.  There may also be group life insurance moneys available through the decedent’s employer. 

If the decedent was receiving EI (Employment Insurance) benefits at the time of death, immediately notify the local Canada Employment Centre. (Phone info below: “Old Age Pension”) 

Inform current and / or past employers where pension and/ or insurance may be in place, and request information necessary for proceeds where applicable. 

The bank manager will advise you of the necessary procedures to close or change accounts held in the decedent’s name (including accounts that may be joint), or to access a safe deposit box.  They will require the Funeral Director’s Statement of Death. Please note that it is helpful to talk to the same person with each inquiry, as the advice may not be complete, or will conflict with another staff member’s approach. 

All credit cards in the decedent’s name should be cancelled and then destroyed.  Check all debts and installment payments; some may carry cancellation insurance.  

Inform all companies where the decedent held assets (such as G.I.C.’s, T- Bills, RRSP’s, bonds, etc.) and see professional advice. 

Income Security Program (Old Age Pension) is notified by the funeral home at time of death.  The decedent’s next-of-kin is entitled to all moneys until the end of the month in which the death occurred.  

Income Security 

PO Box 818, Station Main 

Winnipeg, Manitoba   R3C 2N4 

Phone: 1-800-277-9914 

(Federal Government) to notify GIC of death, or to obtain an application form, contact 1-800-277-9914 

Inform Manitoba Health of the death. 

Manitoba Health 

300 Carlton Street 

Winnipeg, Manitoba  R3B 3M9 

204-786-7101 or   1-800-392-1207

The passport should be returned by mail to Passport Canada for cancellation.  Include a copy of the death certificate and a letter indicating of the cancelled passport should be destroyed or returned to you. 

The legal representative of an estate is responsible for filing a final income tax return.  The due date for filing is: April 30th of the following year (if the death occurred between January 1 and October 31) or by six (6) months after the date of death (if the death occurred between November 1 and December 31).  All necessary forms are available from Revenue Canada. 

Revenue Canada Taxation 

325 Broadway Avenue 

Winnipeg Manitoba   R3C 4T4 

Phone 1-800-959-8281 

if decedent has been collecting GST rebate cheques, please call the following number in order to cancel direct deposit/ cheque receipt:   1-800-959-8281 

You should inform Manitoba Public Insurance 

Motor Vehicles Branch 

1075 Portage Avenue 

Winnipeg, MB R3C 4T4 

Phone 204-985-7000 (office hours Monday-Friday 8:30 am - 5:00pm) 

To cancel driver’s license, hand in with proof of death to your autopac broker. 

For information concerning Lands, contact:  

Land Titles Office 

276 Portage Avenue 

Winnipeg, Manitoba  R3C 0B6 

Phone: 204-945-2285 

For information concerning Probate, contact your Attorney and/or: 

Manitoba Probate Office 

Probation of Wills: Law Courts Building 

100C  408 York Avenue

Winnipeg, Manitoba  R3C 0P9  

Phone: 204-945-3184 

Worker’s Compensation Board 

333 Broadway Avenue 

Winnipeg, Manitoba   R3C 0P9  

Phone: 1-855-945-4321 

If this coverage was in place, the company will need to be notified in writing.  A proof of death certificate issued by the funeral home must accompany the notification. 

Write to: 

Manitoba Blue Cross 

PO Box 1046, 

100 Polo Park, 

Winnipeg, Manitoba   R3C 2X7 

Phone: 204-775-0151 

If the decedent was a war veteran, a benefit may be available.  The Last Post Fund offers funeral and burial assistance, provided the decedent meets the service and financial conditions for eligibility.  For information regarding benefits due or available contact: 

The Department of Veteran Affairs ( 204-983-2860) 

Other areas that might need attention: 

• Notify landlord of death, asking for refund of damage deposit, and also notifying that post  

  dated cheques are no longer valid. 

• Notify employer (if still employed) asking for final wages, benefits, unpaid bonuses,  

  vacation time, etc. 

• Firearms License Return 

• Cancellation of club/organization memberships 

• Cancellation and refund of drivers license (MPI) 

Note: once all documentation, legal closures, tax returns, etc are completed it is recommended that the Social Insurance Number Card is destroyed, so it cannot be misused in the future. 

Many airlines provide reduced compassionate fares for those who fly to attend the funeral services of an immediate family member.  There are various conditions that apply.  Proof of death issued by the funeral home is acceptable for the application to the airline.