President, Lotus Funeral & Cremation Centre
Kamal Bhardwaj is a respected funeral director, educator, and industry advocate recognized for his leadership in advancing culturally sensitive bereavement care and shaping funeral service regulation in Ontario. As Principal, Owner, and President of Lotus Funeral and Cremation Centre in Etobicoke, Kitchener Funeral Homes & Crematorium, and Southwest Crematoriums, Kamal has built an industry-leading organization known for compassionate, personalized service and operational excellence, particularly within diverse and multi-faith communities.
Kamal completed the Funeral Services Education Program at Humber Institute of Technology & Advanced Learning, where he was awarded the prestigious Scott Award for Excellence. He also holds a Bachelor of Business Administration from York University, combining strong business acumen with deep professional expertise in funeral service operations.
Industry Leadership and Regulatory Advocacy
Kamal serves as a member of the Bereavement Authority of Ontario (BAO) Advisory Board, where he plays an influential role in shaping provincial regulations governing funeral homes, cemeteries, and crematoriums. His contributions help ensure high standards of service delivery, ethical business practices, and meaningful cultural and religious inclusivity across Ontario’s bereavement sector. With extensive expertise in multi-faith funeral practices and large-scale operational management, Kamal provides critical insight into policy development that balances regulatory oversight with the evolving needs of Ontario’s diverse population.
Beyond his work with the BAO, Kamal actively collaborates with politicians, policymakers, municipal leaders, and international government representatives to advocate for accessible and culturally appropriate funeral services. He works across municipal, provincial, federal, and international levels to address legislative and operational challenges within the industry, support community-based initiatives, and improve access to services for immigrant communities integrating into Canadian society. His initiatives have received ongoing support from all three levels of government and international bodies, positioning him as a trusted connector between industry, policymakers, and communities.
Education, Mentorship, and Industry Growth
As an educator at Humber College, Kamal teaches Multi-Faith Funeral Practices, mentoring the next generation of funeral directors to approach their profession with cultural awareness, professionalism, and respect. His commitment to education ensures that Ontario’s funeral service industry continues to evolve alongside the province’s growing cultural diversity.
Kamal’s most notable achievement is the growth and success of Lotus Funeral and Cremation Centre Inc. and Southwest Crematoriums. Lotus Funeral has established a significant market presence serving South Asian, West Indian, East Asian, and African communities, supported by extensive knowledge of religious rites, ceremonial traditions, and culturally specific funeral practices. Large-capacity facilities, state-of-the-art technology, and comprehensive on-site services have further strengthened its leadership position. Today, Lotus Funeral conducts close to 1,000 funeral services annually, with a substantial portion involving cremation, supported by multiple on-site cremation units—an important advantage for families seeking complete services within a single location.
Southwest Crematoriums has experienced rapid expansion and is now positioned to become the largest privately-owned crematorium operator in Ontario, with operations across seven locations province-wide. In 2026, Southwest Crematoriums is projected to surpass 21,000 cremations annually, reflecting Kamal’s vision, operational leadership, and commitment to meeting the growing demand for dignified and accessible cremation services.