In some provinces, the name or names of a deceased’s legal representative or representatives appear on the death certificate. If this is the case, the death certificate would be the only document needed to serve as proof of appointment.

If the person is acting on behalf of a deceased person, the person will need personal identification and one of the following documents:

• A death certificate (issued by the applicable government Vital Statistics office)
• A medical examiner’s certificate
• A funeral director’s certificate
• A cremation certificate or other certificate by a comparable authority (such as in the case of a death outside the country)

And one of the following documents:

• Proof of appointment as the legal representative by providing documents such as one of the following:
  • Grant of Letters probate
  • Letters of Administration (with or without a will attached)
  • Certificate of Appointment of the estate liquidator or Certified Statement of the Liquidator (known as État certifié des droits du Liquidateur in Québec)
  • Canada Post Statutory Declaration form (40-076-696) regarding Proof of Authority