The minister of social development says work is underway to review the rates paid to funeral homes to cover the cost of basic burial, cremation or funeral services for families on income support.

The issue came to light earlier this year, when the public was horrified to learn that unclaimed bodies were being stored in mobile refrigerated units outside the Health Sciences Centre.

Part of the discussion at the time involved the amount paid by social assistance to funeral home operators for basic funeral expenses, which had not changed in years despite inflation.

Minister Paul Pike responded to questions from NDP Leader Jim Dinn.

“We are working on a review of the amounts paid for funeral expenses,” Pike told the House. He says they’re also looking at the amounts paid for things like clothing, burial expenses and cremation.