When planning a funeral for a veteran, the next of kin/family are allowed to choose how much or little the military participates. A military chaplain is often involved to either conduct the ceremony or act in an advisory role, to ensure that the deceased is given proper military death honours. Honours include proper draping of the Canadian flag over the casket, folding the flag afterwards, and presentation of medals. Although in the U.S. it is tradition for a 21-gun salute to occur, it is not a common occurrence at Canadian military services. Any military personnel in attendance will be dressed in full military uniform wearing a black armband, known as the Mourning Band. This band is typically removed following the burial service.
In a traditional military funeral there will be several types of military personnel there including the chaplain, band, and guard. When the casket arrives to the gravesite the guard will present arms (a formal salute with military weapons) and any other military personnel not under command will salute. When the casket is placed on stretchers over the grave, military personnel will be ordered to take up their position for the remainder of the ceremony and the chaplain will begin the service. Upon completion of the service a bugler will sound the Last Post, observe a 10-second pause, and then sound Reveille. Military personnel will salute from the beginning of the Last Post to the end of the Reveille. The formal removal and folding of the flag will take place and be presented to the next of kin. Following the presentation of the flag, guests may begin to pay their respects in accordance with the Canadian Forces Director of Ceremonial protocol.
All information about military funeral proceedings was derived from the CCCB Guidelines for Military Funerals in Civilian Parishes. For a more detailed description, view the full document here.
In Canada, the VA Funeral and Burial Program is delivered through the Last Post Fund, a non-profit organization, on behalf of the Department. This program allows compensation of up to $7,376 to cover costs like professional services, a casket, an urn, and/or a military style grave marker (typically upright or flat granite, fitting with the standards of VAC) to be delivered to the families of eligible Veterans. This program also may cover other related costs like cemetery charges or cremation charges, up to a maximum amount.
As stated on the Last Post Fund's website, there are two ways assistance may be provided to a family, depending on the circumstances.
According to Veterans Affairs Canada, a Veteran is eligible for this assistance if they meet the following military service and either service-related or financial means criteria.
"Military Service - The Veteran must have been:
Service-Related (Matter of Right)
Financial (means tested)
To apply for military death benefits, an application must be filled out with the Last Post Fund. This can be done via phone or through an online form.
Sources:
https://www.veterans.gc.ca/eng/financial-support/death-and-bereavement/funeral-burial-assistance
https://www.lastpostfund.ca/EN/funeral.php
https://www.yellowpages.ca/tips/planning-or-attending-a-military-funeral-what-you-need-to-know/
https://www.veterans.gc.ca/public/pages/publications/system-pdfs/last-post-eng.pdf