Your Calgary Police Veteran’s Association has prepared the following in an effort to help the spouse, executor or executrix in the event of a pensioned member’s death. Included are some helpful tips to make things easier for the family.

First and foremost is to ensure you have a legal, properly registered “Last Will & Testament” to assist the executor/executrix to manage the transfer of assets to the beneficiaries of your estate. In conjunction with the preparation of your will you should compile an accurate record of the assets of your estate. Store the record in an accessible location so the executor/executrix can settle the estate efficiently and effectively (See Appendix A). Obtaining the assistance of your banker, financial advisor and/or lawyer is advisable. Each Bank has different policies with respect to access to accounts and therefore it is advisable to discuss this eventuality with them so you are familiar with their process. 

NOTE: Couples should be aware when one of the two is the Primary Credit Card holder, the spouse as the co-applicant of that Credit Card will NOT be allowed to use the Credit Card once the primary cardholder dies. Check with your Credit Card Companies regarding their policy. 

When a pensioned member dies, the survivor, executor/executrix of the estate MUST immediately contact and inform the Special Forces Pension Plan. 

Special Forces Pension Plan

Phone: 1-877-809-7377 - Follow prompts to report death of a pensioner.

FAX: 1-780-421-1652

Email: memberservices@sfpp.ca 

Mail: SFPP c/o Alberta Pensions Services Corporation 

 5103 Windermere Blvd. SW 

Edmonton, Alberta T6W 0S9

If you live outside of North America, call the international toll-free phone number: 011-800-661-8198-8. (Local long distance rules may apply).

If the Pensioner is predeceased by their spouse the executor/executrix will need to provide the SFPP with the following:

• Pension number

• Copy of the Death Certificate

• Copy of the Will

If the Pensioner is survived by their spouse and they chose the “Joint Life Option” the spouse or executor/executrix will need to provide the SFPP with the following:

• Pension number

• Copy of the Death Certificate

• Copy of the Will

• Social Insurance Number

• Banking information

• Address

NOTE: Provided there are no changes the spouse will continue to receive pension payments. If there are any changes to the required information it can take on average up to 3 months for the spouse to begin receiving pension payments.

This is a very stressful time for the surviving spouse but it is very important the SFPP be notified as soon as possible. 

Vital Statistic Information:

The following information is required to complete the registration of death with the Department of Vital Statistics. This information is used to apply for Canada Pension Death and Survivor Benefits. If a funeral service is used they will usually complete this process on behalf of the survivors.

• Name, address and phone number

• Birthdate and place of birth

• Occupation (prior to retirement if retired)

• The maiden name of deceased’s mother and her birthplace (if known)

• The name of deceased’s father and his birthplace (if known)

• The name of deceased’s spouse, maiden name if spouse is female

• Social Insurance Number and Alberta Health Care Number

City of Calgary Retiree Death Benefit

The beneficiary must contact City of Calgary HR Support Services (403-268-5800) who will send the request to the Benefit and Pension specialists who will request certain documents be completed by the beneficiary. When the Benefits and Pension specialists receive the completed documents, they will pass the information along to the insurance provider who will process the claim. This typically takes 3-4 weeks.

The chart states the rules around eligibility for this retiree benefit.

    See chart at bottom of this document

                                See CPVA Fan Out Email dated March 26, 2024 for chart details or call HR 403 268-5800 for more details

Calgary Police Service Policy:

The aim of this policy is to outline procedures for the planning and execution of a Police funeral. This plan will outline arrangements required for a full ceremonial funeral of a Police officer who dies in the line of duty. It is a guide for notification of units within the Calgary Police Service, the City of Calgary and other agencies.

The "choice" of a "Police" funeral or "private" service remains with the family of the deceased, and at the discretion of the Chief of Police. If the family selects a Police funeral, certain elements should be included. Not all funerals will be the same in content. Some of the variables to be considered are:

• Classification of funeral,

• time of year;

• weather conditions;

• size of service;

• faith or denomination of the deceased/deceased's family;

• location of the service; and

• Location of interment/cremation.

CLASSIFICATIONS OF FUNERALS

In the event of the passing of a member of the Calgary Police Service, serving or retired, sworn or civilian, a number of factors will be considered when determining the degree of Service involvement. The seven classifications of funerals are:

1. Sworn Member; Death in the Line of Duty.

2. Sworn Member: Death in the Line of Duty, International Peace Operation Program (IPOP).

3. Sworn Member; Death While On Duty.

4. Sworn Member; Death While Off Duty.

5. Retired Sworn Member’s Death.

6. Civilian Member’s Death.

7. Calgary Police Commission member’s death.

8. Police Service animal death.

RETIRED MEMBER OF THE CALGARY POLICE SERVICE

“Retired Members Death” – 

 i. The death of a retired member who is in good standing and fully separated through 

    retirement from the Service.

 ii. A retiree is defined as a former sworn member who is receiving a member’s pension.

In the event a retired sworn member of the Calgary Police Service dies, the family may be contacted by the Human Resources Section, and an offer of police participation may be made. Subject to the approval of the Chief of Police, the family may be offered the following:

• Use of the Calgary Police Service Funeral Coach, Skye Boat.

• A folded Calgary Police Service flag to be presented during the service.

• A framed photo of the member including hat badge respective of rank of the deceased.

• A fresh flower arrangement displaying the regimental flowers of the Service, with a card signed by the Chief.

• Participation of the Police Service Chaplaincy if requested.

• Participation of the Calgary Police Service Honour Guard.

• Participation of a Calgary Police Service Piper.

• Participation of the Calgary Police Service Traffic Section for the purposes of a traffic escort.

• Permission to use the Calgary Police Service crest on memorial service folders, obituary announcements, or headstone.

Other web sites and phone information that may be of interest are as follows:

 Government of Canada:

 http://www.gc.ca/

 Canada Pension Plan Survivor Benefits: Ph: 1-800-277-9144

 http://www.sdc.gc.ca/en/isp/cpp/survivor.shtml 

 Veteran’s affair Canada: Ph: 1-866-522-2122 (if deceased was a Military Veteran)

 http://www.veterans.gc.ca/eng/ 

Appendix A

Document Location List

1. Safe Deposit Box Yes ( ) No ( )

Bank Name / Branch Box Number Key Location Authorized Person(s)

2. Legal Documents

Will ( ) Trust ( ) Power of Attorney ( ) Living Will ( )

Location of Documents 

Lawyer Contact Info 

Executor 

Power of Attorney 

3. Bank Accounts

Name of Bank Address Account Number(s)   

4. Government Savings Bonds Yes ( ) No ( ) 

Location of Bonds 

5. Retirement Accounts and Pension Plans

Type of Plan Company / Plan Administrator Account Number

6. Real Estate Holdings

Address Location of Deed           

Mortgages / Home Equity Loan Yes ( ) No ( )   

Name of Current Mortgage Holder / Lender Account Number

7. Investments (Stocks, Bonds, Mutual Funds)

Own Stock In Certificate Form Yes ( ) No ( )   

Location 

Stock Broker Contact Info 

Financial Planner Contact Info 

Company Name Type of Investment Account Number

8. Accountant or Income Tax Preparer

Name 

Address 

Location of Past Tax Return 

9. Insurance

A. Life Insurance

Company Name 

Policy Number 

B. Homeowner's Insurance

Company Name 

Policy Number 

C. Automobile Insurance

Company Name 

Policy Number 

D. Health Insurance

Company Name 

Policy Number 

Alberta Health Number 

10. Credit Cards

Bank / Issue Name Account Number

11. Funeral / Cremation Arrangements

Funeral Home 

Pre-arranged: Yes ( ) No ( )

Prepaid: Yes ( ) No ( )

Notes: 

Location of Cemetery Lot Deeds 

12. Certificates and Information for Canada Pension Death Benefits

Location of Birth Certificate 

Location of Marriage Certificate (if married) 

Social Insurance Number 

13. Contact Information for Neighbors and Friends

Name Address Phone

PDF Links:

Message from Sgt. Nathan Rogers CPS Funeral Coordinator
End

End of Life1

14. Notes: