Frequently asked questions

State Funeral of the Right Honourable John Diefenbaker, August 22, 1979.
Source: National Archives of Canada, PA-190428/Richard Holden

• What is a state funeral?

  A state funeral is an official national event which follows certain specific protocols, held to honour a person who has distinguished themselves by contributing to Canada in a significant manner. The public nature of a state funeral means it is offered, paid for, and delivered by the Government of Canada in coordination with the family of the deceased. A state funeral provides an opportunity for the public to honour eminent Canadians and to participate in demonstrations of national grief.

• How did the tradition of state funerals first begin in Canada?

  State funerals in Canada are part of this country’s inherited traditions and have since evolved to become a distinct Canadian custom.

• Who is entitled to a state funeral?

  The practice since Confederation has been to offer a state funeral to current and former governors general and prime ministers, and sitting members of the Ministry. In addition, the prime minister in office may offer a state funeral to any other eminent Canadians when deemed appropriate.

• What are the elements of a state funeral? Can they be modified?

  Every state funeral is distinct and varies in its elements according to any predetermined wishes of the deceased, and those of the family in conjunction with the Government of Canada. Elements of past state funerals have included a half-masting of the National Flag of Canada, a national broadcast, a lying-in-state and/or lying-in-repose, a funeral procession, a funeral service, a committal, all or some components of military honours, and a reception, among others. Some of these elements may be accessible to the public, while others may be kept private, according to the family’s wishes.

• Who was the first person to receive a state funeral in Canada?

  The first state funeral was held for the Honourable Thomas D'Arcy McGee who was assassinated in April 1868. While not a governor general, prime minister or a sitting member of the Ministry, Mr. McGee was afforded the honour of a state funeral given the nature of his untimely death and his important role as a Father of Confederation.

• Who was the first Governor General to receive a state funeral in Canada?

  The Right Honourable Lord Tweedsmuir was the first Governor General to be honoured with a state funeral. He died in 1940 during his term in office.

• Who was the first Prime Minister to receive a state funeral in Canada?

  The Right Honourable Sir John A. Macdonald, who died in office in 1891, was the first prime minister to be honoured with a state funeral. The format of this state funeral, including the lying-in-state and the involvement of the public, marked the beginning of a unique Canadian tradition.

• Who was the first Cabinet minister to receive a state funeral in Canada?

  The Honourable Norman McLeod Rogers was the first cabinet minister to receive a state funeral in Canada. He died in 1940 while serving as Minister of National Defence under the government of William Lyon Mackenzie King.

• When and for whom were the most recent state funerals held?

  • For a Governor General: the Right Honourable Roméo LeBlanc, on July 3, 2009.
  • For a Prime Minister: the Right Honourable Brian Mulroney, on March 23, 2024.
  • For a sitting member of the Ministry: the Honourable Daniel J. MacDonald, on October 4, 1980.
  • For an eminent Canadian: the Honourable Ed Broadbent, on January 28, 2024.
• Which federal department is responsible for the planning and delivery of a state funeral?

  The Department of Canadian Heritage is the lead department responsible for organizing and delivering all activities encompassing the event. However, many other stakeholders at the federal, provincial, and municipal levels, as well as organizations within the private sector, may contribute to such an event.

  Depending on the complexity and size of the funeral, some of these organizations may include, but are not limited to, the Canadian Armed Forces, the Royal Canadian Mounted Police, local law enforcement, funeral homes, and places of worship.

• How long does it take to organize and hold a state funeral?

  The time required to deliver a state funeral varies from one event to another. For instance, more time may be required depending on a variety of factors, such as the wishes of the family of the deceased, ceremonial elements, and the availability of venues and ceremony participants and attendees.

• Who may be invited to a state funeral?

  The Table of Precedence for Canada serves as a guide for invitations. Foreign dignitaries may also be in attendance. Details such as the location and size of the place of worship or other venue where the event is held may have an impact on the number of guests that may be invited to a state funeral. Invitations also take into account the family’s wishes. In addition, at the request of the family, some of the invitees may be asked to perform specific ceremonial roles, such as that of honorary pallbearer, for example.

• How are Canadians notified of a state funeral?

  Canadians are informed that a state funeral is being held by an official statement issued by the Government of Canada.

• Are state funerals always held in Ottawa?

  No. While a lying-in-state always takes place on Parliament Hill or within the Parliamentary Precinct, state funerals can also be held in other locations as determined by the family of the deceased. All other elements could take place in Ottawa and/or in another region or city as determined by the family.

• What if the family of the deceased wishes to have something other than, or in addition to, the standard elements of a state funeral?

  The Government of Canada would make every effort to accommodate the wishes of the family.

• Does the family of the deceased get any private time during a state funeral?

  Yes, the family of the deceased may choose to have private moments during a state funeral. For example, the family may prefer to have a private visitation as opposed to a lying-in-state/lying-in-repose, or a private committal.

• Can a state funeral be declined?

  Yes, a state funeral can be declined. The wishes of the deceased and of the family take precedence and are respected at all times by the Government of Canada.

• Is there a difference between a state funeral and a military funeral?

  Yes, there are distinctions between a state funeral and a military funeral. While a state funeral may contain certain military elements, known as military honours, their inclusion does not signify a military funeral. Specifically, a military funeral is a formal funeral organized by the Canadian Armed Forces that is offered to all active military personnel, subject to the wishes of the family of the deceased. At the discretion of the Chief of the Defence Staff, a military funeral can also be offered to members who have retired from the military. The size of a military funeral is directly related to the rank and position the member held at time of death or prior to retirement.

• Can provinces or territories hold state funerals or is it solely the responsibility of the Government of Canada?

  Yes, provincial and territorial governments may also hold state funerals in honour of their eminent citizens. In those cases, the organization and delivery of the event fall under the responsibility of the province or territory, and the “state” represented is the province or territory in question, and not all of Canada.

• Do other countries have procedures in place for state funerals? Are they similar to Canada's traditions?

  Many countries publicly honour their eminent citizens in a manner similar to state funerals as they are held in Canada. The duration of the visitation and the type of ceremony may vary depending on the country and the culture.

• What is a lying-in-state?

  Lying-in-state is a term used to describe the ceremonial tradition whereby the remains of the deceased rest on the grounds of a country’s seat of government, with a vigil, to allow official dignitaries as well as members of the public to pay their final respects prior to a final service or ceremony and the committal of the remains. This is one of the traditional elements of state funerals as they are practised in Canada.

• How long is a lying-in-state?

  The duration of the lying-in-state varies, but is typically from one to two full days.

• What is the difference between a lying-in-state and a lying-in-repose?

  A lying-in-state takes place in a country’s national capital, on the premises of the seat of government, or an otherwise designated government property. For example, in Canada, this would be on Parliament Hill or a parliamentary property within the Parliamentary Precinct in Ottawa. When the remains of the deceased rest in any other location, the practice is known as a lying-in-repose. A lying-in-repose can in fact occur anywhere in Canada.

• Are flags half-masted for an individual entitled to a state funeral?

  Half-masting of the National Flag of Canada on federal buildings and establishments in Canada, including the Peace Tower in Ottawa, occurs in accordance with the Rules for Half-Masting the National Flag of Canada.