Supporting Bereaved Families: Grants, Leave, and Resources

Content Warning → We’ll be discussing topics surrounding stillbirth, infant death and loss. Some details may be graphic, and grief will be openly discussed. Feel free to gather your support team, take a break, leave the room and come back as you read this post – do as you need to take care of yourself.

We know, intimately, that not every journey to parenthood goes as expected. I’ve been there myself—experiencing early pregnancy loss and facing the unimaginable grief that follows. In those moments, the weight of logistical and financial burdens can feel unbearable when all that truly matters is space to grieve, heal, and be held by your community.

This is why we do what we do. At Brood, we believe that every parent deserves support, no matter the outcome of their pregnancy. Whether navigating the joy and exhaustion of new parenthood or the deep sorrow of loss, no one should have to figure it out alone.

For bereaved parents in Vancouver (and Western Canada), there are resources and programs designed to provide financial support, leave options, and cost coverage. This guide outlines key steps to access these supports so you can focus on healing and remembering your loved one. You are not alone, and there are people ready to walk this path with you.

Paid Leave and HR Policies

Bereaved parents are entitled to certain workplace rights and financial benefits. It is essential to connect with your employer’s Human Resources (HR) department to explore what is available to you.

Steps to Navigate HR Policies ↓

• Start the Conversation: Reach out to HR to discuss leave options— communicate your needs and request documentation of your entitlements.
• Bereavement Leave: Many workplaces in Western Canada provide paid or unpaid bereavement leave— check your provincial employment standards (e.g., BC Employment Standards Act) for details.

• Federal Employees: Those working in federally regulated sectors may be eligible for up to 10 days leave (Canada Labour Code – Bereavement Leave).

• Compassionate Care Leave: If caring for a critically ill child before a loss, you may qualify for leave under provincial or federal law (EI Compassionate Care Benefits).
• Employee Assistance Programs (EAPs): Ask HR if your company offers EAPs that include grief counselling, mental health support, or financial planning resources.

Tips for Advocacy ↓

• • Your primary care provider ​in pregnancy and post-birth can write you a note to support your leave request.
  • Familiarize yourself with your rights under provincial employment standards.

  • Request written confirmation of your leave eligibility and policies to avoid confusion.

  • If your employer is unfamiliar with bereavement policies, you can share these government resources to guide them.

Accessing Medical EI Benefits

Employment Insurance (EI) benefits provide financial support for eligible parents during times of medical need, including loss.

Medical EI Benefits Overview ↓

• Eligibility: You must have worked 600 insured hours in the past 52 weeks or since your last claim to qualify.
• Benefits Duration: Up to 15 weeks of sickness benefits if you’re unable to work due to bereavement-related mental or physical health challenges.
• Parental EI Extensions: If your loss occurred during maternity or parental leave, you may be eligible to adjust or extend your claim.

Steps to Apply ↓

• Gather Documentation: You will need a Record of Employment (ROE) from your employer and medical documentation supporting your claim.
• Apply Online: Submit your claim on the Government of Canada’s EI website.
• Communicate with Service Canada: If your situation is complex, reach out directly to Service Canada for guidance.

Grants for Loss and Cost Coverage

The financial strain of a loss can be overwhelming, especially with unexpected medical or funeral expenses. Some grants and foundations offer support to help alleviate some of these costs.

Foundations and Grants ↓

• Pregnancy and Infant Loss Support Centre (PILSC): Offers counselling, peer support, and resources for families experiencing loss.
• Angel Gowns of the Pacific Northwest: Provides free burial garments and support for families who’ve lost a child.
• The Butterfly Run: Supports bereaved families through fundraising events and community initiatives.
• Baby’s Breath Canada: National organization offering advocacy and education around sudden infant death and support for grieving families.

Steps to Access Grants ↓

• Search for Local Support: Many community-based organizations in Vancouver and Western Canada offer specialized grants. Reach out to your local doula network, hospital social workers, or community centres for referrals.
• Submit Applications Promptly: Grant applications often require documentation of your loss and financial needs. Ensure you have supporting documents ready.
• Follow-up: Don’t hesitate to contact the organizations directly if you need help completing applications or understanding eligibility criteria.

Funeral and Memorial Support

Planning a funeral or memorial service can feel overwhelming, but there are resources available to help reduce costs:

• Koru Cremation: Offers eco-conscious funeral services and support for grieving families.
• Be Ceremonial: Provides custom ceremony and ritual planning for families, including for pregnancy and infant loss.
• The TEARS Foundation: Offers financial support for funeral costs.
• BC Bereavement Helpline: Provides referrals to funeral homes and organizations offering financial assistance.
• Fraser Health Pregnancy Loss Resources: Local listings for services and emotional support.

Support Networks and Counseling

In addition to financial resources, connecting with support groups and counselling services can provide emotional relief and a sense of community.

• Nesting Doula Collective: Offers culturally sensitive support for bereaved parents.
• The Butterfly Run Vancouver: Hosts events and provides resources for families experiencing loss.
• BC Bereavement Helpline: Connects families with grief counsellors and peer support groups.
• Pacific Postpartum Support Society: Offers postpartum support, including resources for loss and grief.
• The Compassionate Friends Canada: Provides peer-to-peer support to families grieving the loss of a child.
• BC Women’s Hospital Stillbirth and Newborn Loss Support: Medical and emotional support through BC Women’s Hospital.

Centralized Resource Hub

To learn more or revisit resources mentioned in this guide:

• Leaves → Canada Bereavement Leave – Federal, BC Bereavement Leave and EI Compassionate Care & Medical Benefits
• Supports → PILSC – Pregnancy and Infant Loss Support Centre, Baby’s Breath Canada, BC Women’s – Stillbirth & Newborn Loss, The TEARS Foundation – Canada and Be Ceremonial
• Brood’s Miscarriage & Early Loss Course

Navigating loss as a bereaved parent is one of the hardest journeys anyone can face. Financial support and resources can ease some of the burdens, allowing space to focus on healing and honouring your loved one. Whether it’s understanding your rights at work, applying for grants, or connecting with local support networks, there are tools available to help.

At Brood, we’re committed to standing alongside bereaved families, offering care and advocacy every step of the way. If you need further guidance or resources, don’t hesitate to reach out to our team.

You’re not alone—we’re here to support you.