‘Sick to my stomach’: Websites reposting obituaries without consent in Ontario

Dealing with the loss of a loved one is already difficult for many families.

However, in Ontario, some third-party websites are making it even harder by reposting obituaries without the knowledge of grieving families, often with the intention of profiting from their loss.

The Bereavement Authority of Ontario (BAO) has raised concerns, stating that these companies are making money by reposting obituaries without the consent of family members.

In a notice published in the spring edition of its magazine, the provincial regulator warns that some websites are copying death notices and republishing them to sell items like flowers, candles, and tree planting in memory of the deceased.

Although these items may seem like tributes arranged by the family, the BAO cautions that this is often not the case. Families are not compensated and are often unaware that their loved one’s obituary has been posted elsewhere.

According to the BAO, families usually discover unauthorized obituary notices – of their fathers, mothers, grandparents, and others – when they come across them online.

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In 2019, Afterlife.co was ordered by a federal court to pay $20 million in damages for profiting from reposted obituaries and photos. The company later ceased operations, as reported by the BAO.

However, concerns have resurfaced with Echovita, a newer third-party website that seems to be engaging in similar practices.

According to Quebec’s business registry, the company is linked to Paco Leclerc, who was also listed as a director of Afterlife in the 2019 ruling.

Reddit users are now sharing disturbing experiences of finding their loved ones’ obituaries on Echovita without permission.

“My dad’s obituary appeared on this site three hours after we posted it,” one person wrote. “They even removed my husband’s name and all the grandkids. Talk about adding insult to injury.”

Another grieving user added, “they went & wrote a really inaccurate obit. Makes me feel sick to my stomach.”

The BAO is urging the public to verify any obituary before spending money on memorial gifts.

Only trust notices posted on funeral home websites licensed by the BAO. To confirm, look for the “Licensed by the BAO” badge at the bottom of the funeral home’s homepage or call the funeral home directly.

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