Losing a loved one is emotionally overwhelming, and during that difficult time, families are often faced with a long list of legal and financial responsibilities. One of the most important steps after a death is notifying the appropriate government agencies and institutions to prevent complications involving benefits, taxes, identification, insurance, and estate administration.

For families in British Columbia, understanding who to contact and when can help ease stress during an already difficult period.

Below is a clear guide to the key federal and provincial institutions that should be notified after a death in British Columbia.

Federal Government Institutions to Notify

1. Service Canada (CPP, OAS, EI)

Service Canada should be notified as soon as possible to stop Canada Pension Plan (CPP), Old Age Security (OAS), and Employment Insurance (EI) payments. Delays can result in overpayments that may need to be repaid by the estate.

Service Canada
Phone: 1-800-622-6232

Service Canada Centre – Vancouver
1263 West Broadway
Vancouver, BC V6H 1G7

It’s important to note that British Columbia Vital Statistics generally notifies the Social Insurance Number (SIN) program automatically, so separate SIN reporting is typically unnecessary.

2. Canada Revenue Agency (CRA)

The CRA must be informed to update tax records and stop government benefit payments such as the GST/HST credit or Canada Child Benefit (CCB). The executor or legal representative will also need to manage the deceased’s final tax return and estate-related filings.

CRA – Individual Tax Enquiries
Phone: 1-800-959-8281

CRA – Benefit Enquiries
Phone: 1-800-387-1193

Surrey Tax Centre
9755 King George Blvd
Surrey, BC V3T 5E1

3. Passport Program

A Canadian passport should be cancelled after death to help prevent identity theft or misuse. The passport, along with a copy of the death certificate, can be mailed to the Passport Program.

Passport Program
Gatineau QC K1A 0G3
Canada

4. Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC)

If the deceased held a permanent resident card, a citizenship certificate, or had an active immigration application, IRCC should be notified.

IRCC Client Support Centre
Phone: 1-888-242-2100

5. National Student Loans Service Centre (NSLSC)

Outstanding Canada Student Loans may qualify for discharge upon death. The estate representative should contact the NSLSC directly for instructions.

NSLSC
Phone: 1-888-815-4514

P.O. Box 4030
Mississauga, ON L5A 4M4

6. Credit Reporting Agencies

Notifying credit bureaus can help reduce the risk of identity theft and fraudulent activity.

Equifax Canada
P.O. Box 190
Montreal, QC H1S 2Z2

TransUnion Canada
P.O. Box 338, LCD 1
Hamilton, ON L8L 7W2

Provincial Government Institutions in British Columbia

7. BC Vital Statistics Agency

In most cases, the funeral home submits the death registration directly to BC Vital Statistics. This agency officially records the death and issues death certificates required for estate administration.

BC Vital Statistics Agency
818 Fort Street
Victoria, BC V8W 1H8

Phone: 250-952-2681

8. Health Insurance BC (MSP)

Medical Services Plan (MSP) coverage and BC Services Cards should be cancelled following a death.

Health Insurance BC
P.O. Box 9035 Stn Prov Govt
Victoria, BC V8W 9E3

Phone: 1-800-663-7100

9. ICBC – Driver Licensing & Vehicle Registration

ICBC should be contacted to cancel the deceased’s driver’s licence and update any vehicle ownership or insurance records connected to the estate.

ICBC Driver Licensing
151 West Esplanade
North Vancouver, BC V7M 3H9

You may also visit any local ICBC driver licensing office.

10. Residential Tenancy Branch / BC Housing

If the deceased lived in subsidized housing or had tenancy agreements requiring updates, the Residential Tenancy Branch should be contacted.

Residential Tenancy Branch
400–5021 Kingsway
Burnaby, BC V5H 4A5

11. WorkSafeBC

If the deceased was receiving WorkSafeBC benefits, the agency should be informed promptly.

WorkSafeBC
6951 Westminster Hwy
Richmond, BC V7C 1C6

Phone: 1-888-967-5377

Other Important Organizations to Contact

In addition to government agencies, families should also consider notifying:

  • Banks and credit unions
  • Pension administrators
  • Insurance providers
  • Investment and wealth advisors
  • Utilities such as BC Hydro or FortisBC
  • Canada Post
  • Professional licensing organizations

These notifications help prevent administrative complications and ensure accounts, policies, and assets are handled appropriately.

Final Thoughts

The administrative responsibilities that follow a death can feel overwhelming, especially while grieving. Having an organized plan and understanding which institutions to contact can help families navigate the process with greater clarity and confidence.

At NYF Wealth Management, we understand that estate and legacy planning extends far beyond investments. Thoughtful preparation today can help ease the burden on loved ones tomorrow and ensure financial matters are handled with care, efficiency, and dignity.

If you have questions about estate planning, wealth preservation, or preparing your family for the future, our team is here to help.