GFD seeks to incorporate GFD Trust

Summary#

A notice in the Canada Gazette says Guaranteed Funeral Deposits of Canada (Fraternal) intends to apply to create a trust company called GFD Trust (French: Fiducie GFD). The notice was published on July 4, 2026, and gives the public until August 4, 2026 to submit written objections.

What it does#

• Asks the Minister of Finance for letters patent to incorporate a trust company under the Trust and Loan Companies Act (Canada).
• Would operate in Canada as GFD Trust / Fiducie GFD, with its head office in Oakville, Ontario.
• Says the new company would offer trust products and services aimed at the Canadian bereavement sector (funeral-related trusts and deposits).
• Allows anyone to object in writing to the Office of the Superintendent of Financial Institutions by August 4, 2026 (email address was provided in the notice).
• Notes that publication of the notice does not guarantee approval; the decision depends on the normal review process and the Minister of Finance’s discretion.

Who's affected#

• Funeral industry businesses and other organizations in the bereavement sector that handle prepayments or funeral funds.
• People who prepay or deposit money for funerals, since a new trust provider could be another place to hold those funds.
• Guaranteed Funeral Deposits of Canada (Fraternal) members and stakeholders.
• Financial regulators who review and approve trust companies, including the Office of the Superintendent of Financial Institutions.

The notice does not say exactly what specific products will be offered, how large the trust company would be, or which provinces it will operate in.

Why it matters#

• A new trust company focused on funeral deposits could change where and how funeral prepayments are held and managed.
• It may offer more options for funeral businesses and consumers deciding where to place funeral funds.
• The public can raise concerns or objections — the deadline to do that is August 4, 2026.