Disinterment Permits and Transportation

A disinterment permit from the Ministry of Health is required anytime human remains are disinterred or moved from one burial site to another to prevent and control the spread of communicable diseases. Exceptions exist for cremated remains, and when a body is being moved within the same cemetery or mausoleum.

Guidance

Information required for a permit application include:

• the applicants name and relationship to the deceased;
• the reason for the proposed disinterment;
• the name of the funeral director assisting (if applicable);
• the names and locations of the current and proposed cemetery or mausoleum; and
• identifying information of the deceased (name, date of birth, gender).

Application can be submitted by the next of kin (closest living relative to the deceased) or by a funeral director representing the next of kin.

Opening of a disinterred casket is not permitted unless done by the Chief Coroner or through obtaining an order of the Attorney General. For more information on the Office of the Attorney General, visit the Ministry of Justice and Attorney General.

How to Apply

1. Obtain a medical certificate of death. Learn how to obtain a Certificate of Death. You may also call toll free: 1-800-667-7551 (within Canada only).
   1. If no death certificate is available (death predates available records), provide confirmation of this in writing, certified by the Registrar of Vital Statistics.
   2. If a death certificate has not yet been issued, the permit applicant will need to connect with the provincial coroner to obtain confirmation. For more information, visit the Saskatchewan Coroners Service.
2. Complete the Application for Disinterment Permit.
3. Submit the application form to – phbadmin@health.gov.sk.ca or mail to Attn: Executive Administrative Assistant Population Health Branch, Ministry of Health 3475 Albert Street, Regina SK S4S 6X6 Phone: 306-787-8847. 
4. A response will be provided within two weeks of receipt of application.

In general, transportation of the deceased or human remains may be done in a respectful manner within the province without the need for additional approvals so long as the deceased or remains:

• reach the intended destination within 72 hours from the time of death;
• is embalmed; or
• is placed in a metal-lined casket that is permanently sealed by welding or soldering or the use of gaskets and suitable screws, to prevent leaking or reopening, and enclosed in a strong outside box.

Approval from a Medical Health Officer is required if the body will be transported and handled in a manner not listed above.

To contact a Medical Health Officer, please contact your local public health office.

Transportation or Handling of Deceased Known to be Infected with a Communicable Disease

Under The Disease Control Regulations, If the deceased or remains are known to be infected with a specified communicable disease, a funeral director (or other person) intending to handle the body of a deceased person shall report to a medical health officer, and follow any instructions given by the medical health officer with respect to the handling of the body.

To contact a Medical Health Officer, please contact your local public health office.

Transportation of Deceased or Remains by Common Carrier or Out-of-Country Transport

Transportation of a deceased person or human remains through a common carrier requires written approval from the local health authority (Saskatchewan Health Authority).

Out-of-Country transport may require certification from a medical health officer stating that the deceased is not infected with a "specified communicable disease" listed under Table 3 of the Appendix in The Disease Control Regulations.

To request approval, please contact your local Saskatchewan Health Authority public health office. To contact a Medical Health Officer, please contact your local public health office.

Transportation across provincial or international borders may also require a “Certificate of Embalmer or Funeral Director for Transportation of Remains of Deceased Person.” These can be requested through a funeral service provider.