Many Canadians forced to address their mortality in 2020: survey

Mississauga | Ontario | Lifestyle |

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Published January 14, 2021 at 11:38 pm

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The last 10 months have been incredibly difficult for many Canadians, as thousands have died due to COVID-19.

With so many having been affected by this virus, many Canadians have been forced to take on the difficult task of addressing their mortality.

A recent survey—conducted by Willful, Canada’s leading digital estate planning company, and Arbor Memorial Inc., Canada’s leading cemetery and funeral provider—found 34 per cent of Canadians initiated a conversation about end-of-life plans in 2020, for many these included making or updating a will, deciding on end-of-life wishes, and estate planning.

Additionally, with the virus spreading at unprecedented rates, 37 per cent said getting their end-of-life plans in order was one of their priorities for 2021.

“The needs and expectations of Canadians are changing when it comes to planning for end-of-life – but it’s important not only to think about one’s final wishes, but to ensure they are known and understood. An important first step in this process is for Canadians to start a conversation with loved ones about what they really want,” Dustin Wright, Senior Director of Marketing Communications for Arbor Memorial Inc., said in a news release.

“Our survey found that many Canadians aren’t initiating these conversations because they don’t know where to begin or what questions to ask. At Arbor Memorial, we’re here to provide expert guidance to help Canadians navigate these conversations and make sense of planning for end-of-life,” he continued.

Further, according to the findings, 68 per cent of respondents didn’t make a resolution this year, while only six per cent of those who set resolutions for 2020 completed them.

“In 2020, COVID-19 caused Canadians to think more about emergency planning, including creating a will and putting end-of-life plans in place,” Erin Bury, CEO of Willful, said in the same release.

“We have seen an increased interest in will and estate planning from Canadians since the pandemic hit in March, and while fewer Canadians are setting resolutions, we hope to empower more Canadians to have difficult, but essential conversations with loved ones throughout 2021,” she continued.

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