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 for more information and resources.
• The Bereavement Authority of Ontario’s Consumer Information Guide

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 for more information.

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 for more information and resources
• 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 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 for more information.

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 for more information and resources.
• Learn more about the 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 for more information.