Care homes, funerals, charities and trips

Choosing a care home?Ontario

Two free places to read a home's record:

• Retirement homesRetirement Home DatabaseRetirement Homes Regulatory Authority

  All 750+ licensed retirement homes, with “a complete history of a retirement home's compliance with the Act” and the care services each offers.

• Long-term careFind long-term care homesGovernment of Ontario

  “Search for individual homes and get information about them”; the page also finds your local Ontario Health atHome offices.

Retirement Homes Regulatory Authority: Retirement Home Database · Government of Ontario: Long-term care in Ontario (5 May 2026). Read 6 November 2026.

Child care or a doctor?Ontario

Free searches before you hand over care:

• Child careFind and pay for child careGovernment of Ontario

  A search for child care near you, and a list to see an unlicensed caregiver's safety record.

• DoctorsPhysician RegisterCollege of Physicians and Surgeons of Ontario

  Active doctors in Ontario and those inactive within the last two years; it doesn't say who is taking new patients.

Government of Ontario: Find and pay for child care (1 April 2026) · College of Physicians and Surgeons of Ontario: Physician Register. Read 6 November 2026.

Signing a funeral contract?Ontario

1. The price listA price list of all supplies and services before any contract.
2. 30 daysTo change your mind on a prepaid contract and receive a full refund.
3. After 30 daysThe cancellation fee: “no more than 10% of the cost of the contract, or up to a maximum of $350.”
4. Prices heldSince 1 July 2012, a prepaid contract's supplies and services come with no extra charge, even if prices rise.

• The Bereavement Authority's public register lists licensed establishments and individuals.

Bereavement Authority of Ontario: Consumer rights. Read 6 November 2026.

Giving to a charity?

• The list shows whether a charity is registered, revoked, annulled, suspended or penalized.

Canada Revenue Agency: Information about a charity (26 November 2025). Read 6 November 2026.

Booking a trip?Ontario

Ontario's Travel Compensation Fund, when a registered agency, wholesaler, airline or cruise line fails:

• Per person $5,000at most

  for travel paid for and not provided, booked through an Ontario registered travel agency.

• Per failure $7Min all

  $5 million for standard claims and $2 million to bring travellers home.

• To claim 6months

  from the date of the failure, for a standard claim.

• Left out 5kinds

  Out-of-province agencies, unredeemed vouchers (since 1 April 2024), counselling fees, prizes, and air miles or points.

TICO: Standard claims. Read 6 November 2026.