William Crooks
From left to right, Chantal Lepage of FUNÉRAweb, Annie Saint-Pierre, director general of the Corporation des thanatologues du Québec, Geneviève Veilleux, president of the CTQ board, Stephan Elkas of Résidence funéraire Steve L. Elkas, and Marie Eve Garneau, director general of Groupe Garneau thanatologue, cut the ribbon to open the 69th annual congress in Sherbrooke
By William Crooks
Local Journalism Initiative
Sherbrooke is hosting more than 300 funeral professionals this week as the Corporation des thanatologues du Québec (CTQ) opens its 69th annual congress under the theme “Reconnaître notre importance dans la société.” The three-day event, taking place at the Hôtel Delta, brings together funeral directors from across the province to discuss evolving practices, strengthen networks, and highlight their role in Quebec society.
Annie Saint-Pierre, director general of the CTQ, said in a release that the gathering underscores a profession that is still widely misunderstood. “There remains a great lack of awareness of the role of funeral professionals, both among the general public and many decision-making bodies. Their work goes far beyond the death of a person. It involves a universe of responsibilities, legal requirements, and specificities that require expertise and professional support,” she explained.
A gathering with purpose
For Steve Elkas, vice-president of the Résidence funéraire Steve L. Elkas and a member of the CTQ board of directors, the Sherbrooke event is both a professional and social highlight. “We have about 500 member funeral homes across Quebec, and every year we meet in a different city,” he said in an interview at the event on Sept. 16.
Day one combined leisure with networking. “We started with a golf tournament in Venise-en-Québec, while others toured a vineyard. In the evening, we shared a meal on Lake Memphremagog. It’s a chance to see colleagues, some of whom we only meet once a year,” Elkas noted.
Training, technology, and the future of funerals
The congress also serves as a platform for continuing education. According to Elkas, the first training session examined certification standards for funeral homes. “Like in the hotel industry, we now have levels of recognition. The top level is not only certified by us but also recognized by the government. Right now, about 20 funeral homes have reached that level, and we’re looking at how to expand it,” he said.
Later sessions are exploring technology’s growing influence on the industry. “This afternoon, there’s a course on artificial intelligence. I don’t yet know how it’s going to affect our world, but we’ll find out,” Elkas remarked.
The program also includes discussions with philosophers and psychologists about evolving attitudes toward death and funeral practices. “Families today don’t necessarily want what their parents or grandparents had. Some prefer outdoor ceremonies, others want everything online. Things are changing quickly, and we need to adapt,” Elkas explained.
Looking ahead
The congress will wrap up with the CTQ’s annual general meeting, where members debate policies and vote on new directions. “That’s when the boxing gloves come out,” Elkas said with a laugh. “Like any board, majority rules. Not everyone agrees, but it’s communication, and that’s what matters.”
With Quebec nearing 100,000 deaths per year, Saint-Pierre stressed the importance of preparing the profession for the future. The conference agenda highlights issues such as quality standards, operational efficiency, and the integration of new technologies.
For Elkas, hosting the congress in Sherbrooke adds a special touch. “When we bring people to this region, it tends to attract bigger numbers because it’s central. It’s a successful gathering, and we’re here to share knowledge and better serve families during some of the most difficult times of their lives,” he said.