Upload
others
View
14
Download
0
Embed Size (px)
Citation preview
V o l . 1 1 9 , N o . 2 • M a r c h • A p r i l 2 0 1 3
P u b l i s h e d S i n c e 1 8 9 4
Canadian Funeral Director™Serving the Funeral / Memorialization Profession in Canada Since1894
w w w . c a n a d i a n f u n e r a l d i r e c t o r . c o m
CA
NA
DIA
N FU
NERA
L DIREC
TOR™
Volume 119, N
umber 2 M
arch • April 2013 Issue
IN THIS ISSUE:• FSAC 2013 | LONDON
• MANITOBA FUNERAL HOME DESTROYED BY FIRE
• VICTORY FOR VETERANS
CFD March • April 2013_Funeral March April 2013 2013-04-05 1:19 PM Page 1
©20
13 W
.L. S
mith
& A
ssoc
iate
s Lim
ited,
Aja
x, O
N
I N T H E F U T U R E
CFD March • April 2013_Funeral March April 2013 2013-04-05 1:19 PM Page 2
With integrated one-write logic, the Book of Memories™ Tribute Suite
©20
13 W
.L. S
mith
& A
ssoc
iate
s Lim
ited,
Aja
x, O
N
EVERYTHING may integrate this seamlessly...
Or you can EXPERIENCE it with us TODAY.
CFD March • April 2013_Funeral March April 2013 2013-04-05 1:19 PM Page 3
CFD March • April 2013_Funeral March April 2013 2013-04-05 1:19 PM Page 4
t a b l e o fC o n t e n t s
March • April 2013Vol. 119, No. 2
As the funeral, memorialization profession continues toevolve with industry trends and consumer attitudes CFDremains devoted to reporting the facts relating to CanadaFuneral Directors from Coast to Coast.© Material may not be reprinted, reproduced, or duplicatedin any manner without the written consent of the publisher.
Publishers View...........................................................................................
CanadaObits.ca to appear on Dragons Den.....................................
Bereaved Families of Ontario.................................................................
Vaella Consulting Expands.......................................................................
FSAC London 2013 Convention Schedule.........................................
FSAC Seminar Sessions of Your Choice.............................................
Jim Erb Named Citizen of the Year.....................................................
Fire Destroys Manitoba Funeral Home...............................................
Victory for Veterans..................................................................................
Ripping Awareness of the Stupid Line.................................................
Funeral Directors Licence Not Required in Manitoba?..................
Calendar Dates..............................................................................................
e.business.......................................................................................................
Classifieds......................................................................................................
6
8
10
12
14
18
20
22
24
27
28
30
31
62
ScottHillier
• Publisher• Owner• Advertising
Published by:
178 MCQUAY BLVD.WHITBY, ON L1P1L5
www.thefuneralmagazine.com
5C F D • M a r c h • A p r i l 2 0 1 3
GET IN TOUCH
CFD March • April 2013_Funeral March April 2013 2013-04-05 1:19 PM Page 5
publishersnote
6 C F D • M a r c h • A p r i l 2 0 1 3
I have written numerous times about funeral
service and technology, the advantages and the pitfalls
of keeping your business abreast with technological
change in today’s growing online funeral society.
This month I am writing on a self-serving
promotional editorial for my business. I first added a
website for my business in 1998. Over the years
minor changes have been made, simple changes,
graphical changes and daily updates to content and
classifieds.
The number one resource utilized on my
website has been the classifieds, more specifically the
employment opportunity ads. There was a time when
funeral home owner/managers kept the magazine
from their staff because of the printed classified
employment opportunities featured in the magazine.
The fear was that key staff members would seek
employment elsewhere. Over the years I have met
numerous funeral professionals who have obtained
employment exclusively through the CFDClassifieds in
the magazine. The classifieds of the magazine truly are
the number one resource for funeral related
employment opportunities throughout Canada.
This past March CFDonline started with a clean
slate and revamped our website from the ground up.
Not only did we re-design the entire website, we also
added a second mobile friendly format for all those
iPhone, Android and Blackberry users out there.
Utilizing website analysis software, we are able
to keep track of our daily traffic. We are also able to
track what type of devices are utilizing to enjoy our
website - particularly the classified page. Over the
years traffic has grown from 100 percent computer to
65 percent smart phone users. Utilizing this specialty
software we are able to see which browser people are
using, and from what location/city they are viewing.
This is an excellent awareness tool for any business to
utilize.
S E L F S E R V I N GC F D O N L I N E
U P D A T Eb y S c o t t H i l l i e r
CFD March • April 2013_Funeral March April 2013 2013-04-05 1:19 PM Page 6
7C F D • M a r c h • A p r i l 2 0 1 3
We certainly did not reinvent the wheel when it
comes to websites, but we certainly have improved our
website experience for the end user, helping to make your
quest for information more readily available. With a fresh
look, fresh content and fresh new ideas CFD will be
implementing change in the coming months to every aspect
of CFDonline to help compliment the printed
CFDmagazine.
With change comes opportunity - realizing that the
online presence of funeral suppliers has grown
tremendously, we now feature online banner ads, enabling
you, the end user, to easily access your favourite funeral
suppliers website with the simple click of your mouse, or
finger for current, new, Canadian content.
Funeral supplier websites have improved drastically
over the years taking full advantage of e-commerce. You
can now purchase merchandise online and never have to
pick up the phone or take a sales call again.
Canadian Funeral Director magazine was
first printed in 1894, over 119 years ago. A few
of those first editions of the magazine still
remain in my possession, brittle, yellowed with
time, and contain irreplaceable historical
value. Over those 119 years, Canadian
Funeral Director has witnessed more changes
in funeral service than most funeral business out there. We
have the history to prove it.
Canadian Funeral Director has evolved, adapted,
changed and has helped steer change as all funeral
service business have learned how to adapt to the
changing market place in funeral service.
We all know as business professionals that if a
business does not make their services readily available,
then another business most certainly will. Funeral
home owner/operators have learned this the hard way.
Keep information about your products and services
easily available to the community you serve. It is imperative
that a funeral home in today’s world have a online presence
and keep current and up to date. But with regards to
technology, that’s as far as you need to go. Twitter in my
opinion is a waste of time and totally unnecessary in funeral
service, so too is Facebook. Social media has its place, but
funeral service is not one of them. Anything you can offer
on a social media site can be offered in a more professional
way on your company website. This is just my opinion and
I know there are many business professionals out there
who disagree with me.
No matter how you see it - remember CFDonline is
changing, expanding and has been designed for the
Canadian funeral professional to utilize in their day-to-day
lives when seeking out information and resources
pertaining to funeral service in Canada. Please visit us at
www.thefuneralmagazine.com often!
CFD March • April 2013_Funeral March April 2013 2013-04-05 1:19 PM Page 7
8 C F D • M a r c h • A p r i l 2 0 1 3
C A N A D A O B I T S . C A T O A P P E A R O N D R A G O N S ’ D E N
CanadaObits.ca is excited to
announce that after auditioning for
the producers of CBC's "The
Dragon's Den", Brett Denning and
Colin Haskett were invited to
Toronto to film for an episode of
"The Dragon’s Den". They travelled
to the CBC studio for filming on
March 26, 2013. They were excited
to go before the Dragons to pitch
the idea that has already received so
much support from their profession
(almost 200 Ontario funeral homes
currently registered). Denning and
Haskett hope that an appearance on
this well-known Canadian show will
introduce all Canadians to
CanadaObits.ca and expedite their
vision that one day, each person
who passes away in Canada will have
their obituary placed on
CanadaObits.ca, completely FREE.
Above all else, Denning and
Haskett are committed to
honourably represent the
profession that they love. In doing
so, no obituaries where displayed on
national television without proper
consent from funeral homes and the
families they serve.
Anyone with questions, concerns or
an interest in signing up before
CanadaObits.ca debuts on national
television can contact the CanadaObits.ca
team at [email protected]
CFD March • April 2013_Funeral March April 2013 2013-04-05 1:19 PM Page 8
CFD March • April 2013_Funeral March April 2013 2013-04-05 1:19 PM Page 9
Dr. Balmer is a registered psychologist in
private practice with Fleming Vigna Balmer with
offices in Mississauga and Brampton, Ontario. She
has over twenty-five years experience in the
assessment and treatment of children,
adolescents, and adults in a variety of settings. Dr.
Balmer specializes in working with trauma victims
who have suffered the death of a loved one
through accident, suicide, or murder. In addition
she works with children, adolescents and adults
who are living with a life-threatening illness or
have lost a loved one through illness. Drawing
primarily on a cognitive- behavioural therapy
background, Dr. Balmer incorporates art, games
and play into her treatment of children and
adolescents.
She has published articles on childhood and
adolescent bereavement and has lectured and
facilitated training workshops in Canada, the
United States, South America, Europe and
Australia. She is a member of the International
Work Group on Death, Dying and Bereavement.
Dr. Balmer will introduce participants to the
private worlds of bereaved children and
adolescents. The presentation will concentrate
on the exploration of several themes which are
central to understanding the nature of childhood
loss including, 1) individual factors predicting
resilience, and 2) cognitive development, time
and healing.
At the conclusion of the workshop,
participants will be able to:
• Identify what makes childhood loss unique
from loss during adulthood
• Discuss children’s concepts of death and
how this impacts on the grief process
• Appreciate childhood grief as a dynamic
developmental process that lasts a lifetime
• Incorporate practical and interactive
assessment and therapy techniques into their
work with bereaved children and adolescents
10 C F D • M a r c h • A p r i l 2 0 1 3
B e r e a v e d F a m i l i e s o f O n t a r i o& To r o n t o A r e a F u n e r a l D i r e c t o r s
Present: The Private Worlds of Bereaved Children and Adolescents, by Dr. Leslie Balmer, Ph.D., C. Psych.
Thursday, May 16, 2013 7:00 – 9:00 PM (doors open at 6:30)
North York City Centre (5100 Yonge Street (North York Centre Subway Stop)
$30.00 per person; $15.00 for BFO-Toronto volunteers and students
CFD March • April 2013_Funeral March April 2013 2013-04-05 1:19 PM Page 10
CFD March • April 2013_Funeral March April 2013 2013-04-05 1:19 PM Page 11
Vaella Consulting, the industry innovatorfor funeral stationery and meaningfulkeepsakes, has recently relocated into a newproduction facility in Alexandria, Ontario.According to the owner of the company,Jean Vaillancourt, the three year oldcompany that specializes in offering genericstationery products coupled with softwareand graphic design services has outgrown itsoriginal location. “We have been blessedwith the support of many progressive funeralhomes throughout Canada. It has alwaysbeen our intention to partner with thesefirms, listen to their concerns, analyze theirstationery needs, their comfort level withtechnology and develop ways to minimizeinventories and maximize revenues. The endgoal throughout all of this is to consistentlyexceed their families’ expectations withevery call. As a result, we needed to fillsome key positions in our graphic designdepartment as well as programming. Ouroriginal location was perfect to get us startedbut we quickly ran out of office andwarehouse space.”
The new location boasts two floors
offering over 15000 square feet and anelevator. It was formerly used as a ShoppersDrug Mart location but had been vacant fora few years. News of the purchase movedquickly through the small town as thecompany was featured on the front page ofThe Glengarry News, the area’s localnewspaper. “The move has been positive onmany levels; I get to move the business to myhometown and it may also be an opportunityto inject a bit of life into our downtowncore” Vaillancourt said.
Vaella will continue to focus its efforts oninnovative software and design solutions forthe funeral service industry. What sets usapart from many other firms is that althoughwe have set office hours, we understand thatthe demands on our clients go well beyondthe typical 9 to 5 schedule. The teamchemistry we have been able to create sincewe started has been a complete buy-in toexceptional customer service, even onevenings and weekends. Having facilities thatare cutting edge on every level will onlyserve to strengthen our commitment to ourvalued and growing client base.
12 C F D • M a r c h • A p r i l 2 0 1 3
V A E L L AC O N S U L T I N G
E X P A N D SI N T O N E WL O C A T I O N
CFDONLINE
CFD March • April 2013_Funeral March April 2013 2013-04-05 1:19 PM Page 12
CFD March • April 2013_Funeral March April 2013 2013-04-05 1:20 PM Page 13
• GOLF AT SUNNINGDALEThis spectacular course which encompasses 400 acres
contains two 18-hole championship golf courses
designed by two of the most respected course designers
in Canadian history, Stanley Thompson and Clinton
(Robbie) Robinson.
Includes:
• 18 holes of gold and power cart – 11:00am start
• Boxed lunch
• Full Dinner
• Silent Auction (proceeds to Sick Kids Hospital)
• Return Transportation
• LABATT BREWERY TOURJoin us for a fully guided walking tour of the Labatt
Brewery! You will see the Brewing, Fermenting, Aging
and Packaging areas, have a sampling session and tour a
room that features their 1947 Streamliner and their
1919 Keg Truck. All participants will receive a souvenir
tour t-shirt and a 15% discount coupon for merchandise
at the Labatt Beer Store on site!
14 C F D • M a r c h • A p r i l 2 0 1 3
2 0 1 3 F S A C L O N D O N | T H E F U T U R E I S C A L L I N G
June 3-6, 2013
S C H E D U L E
upcomingconventionFSAC
M o n d a y J u n e 3 , 2 0 1 3
CFD March • April 2013_Funeral March April 2013 2013-04-05 1:20 PM Page 14
CFD March • April 2013_Funeral March April 2013 2013-04-05 1:20 PM Page 15
• WESTERN ONTARIO FUNERAL SERVICE ASSOCIATION AGM
• CANADIAN INDEPENDENT GROUP OF FUNERAL HOMES AGM
• OPENING LUNCHEON WITH KEYNOTE SPEAKER David Chilton, Recipe for Success
David Chilton’s recipe for success is hard work, a clear vision and some clever
marketing. Whether it’s helping thousands of Canadians achieve personal financial
success or investing in low-fat cookbooks, David has always had a knack for
recognizing great ventures from the get-go.
David Chilton is an economics graduate from Wilfrid Laurier University. In 1985, he
won the award for the highest mark in the country on the Canadian Securities Course.
Cheating was never proven but widely suspected. In 1989, he released The Wealthy
Barber. It went on to sell an astonishing two million copies in Canada. After milking
his one and only good idea for years, Dave left the personal-finance field to home-
school his children. His daughter escaped after a few months, but his son served out
his entire sentence of three years less a day. Both children somehow overcame the experience and are now attending
university. Over the years, Dave also published the bestselling cookbooks Looneyspoons, Crazy Plates and Eat, Shrink &
Be Merry! along with authors Janet and Greta Podleski. Adding no value but taking a third of the profits, guilt finally
overwhelmed Dave and he left the sisters’ business in 2007. They just recently noticed. His true professional passion,
however, remains the field of personal finance, where he tries to mix humour and common sense to help people handle
their money more wisely.
• FSAC ANNUAL GENERAL MEETING • COMMEMORATIVE CEREMONY • PRESIDENT’S WELCOME RECEPTION
• HOT BREAKFAST
• KEYNOTE SPEAKER – ALLAN COLEAllan Cole, Owner of MacKinnon & Bowes for the past 30 years will speak about
repatriations and some of his experiences with the Canadian Forces to repatriate
fallen members of the Canadian Military. Canada’s role in the Afghanistan War
began in late 2001 and concluded with the end of their combat mission in 2011.
Canada took on a larger role starting in 2006 after the Canadian troops were
redeployed to Kandahar Province as a Combat Force. During Canada’s deployment
of troops to Afghanistan, the tragic loss of life resulted very public repatriations.
These repatriations increased in numbers and size as time went on and public
awareness grew. This solemn ceremony has become part of Canadian history and
heritage. Allan will speak about the un-precedented role that funeral service played at this time in our countries history.
16 C F D • M a r c h • A p r i l 2 0 1 3
Tu e s d a y J u n e 4 , 2 0 1 3
W e d n e s d a y J u n e 5 , 2 0 1 3
upcomingconventionFSAC
CFD March • April 2013_Funeral March April 2013 2013-04-05 1:20 PM Page 16
CFD March • April 2013_Funeral March April 2013 2013-04-05 1:20 PM Page 17
• FISHBOWL SESSIONBack by popular demand this session will allow delegates a chance to listen and learn from colleagues and weigh in on
topics themselves!
• EXHIBITION OPENThis is your opportunity to see all that is new and exciting in Funeral Service in Canada. There will be a wide variety of
exhibitor s for you to see including automobiles, caskets, software and much more that can help in your business. Take
your time to visit all that these fabulous suppliers have to offer!
• HAPPY HOUR IN THE EXHIBITIONDuring this “Happy Hour” we will be rushing delegates into Frats for our Frat Party at the University of Western
Ontario! ! Come on out and join in the fun!
• FRAT PARTY AT THE GREAT HALLHave you ever wished you had joined a Fraternity? Have you seen all the movies? We will be enjoying a full sit down
meal at The Great Hall situated in the hear t of the University of Western Ontario.
• CONTINENTAL BREAKFAST
• KEYNOTE SPEAKER – WAYNE LEE LIVE THE LAUGHTER – A COMEDIC HYPNOSIS SHOWInspirational speaker and corporate hypnotist Wayne Lee, has a hypnosis show which
is the perfect tonic to improve morale and encourage team-building within your
organization. It will give wings to any event on your calendar, whether it’s a
convention, conference, awards banquet, customer or staff appreciation night, holiday
party, or a fundraiser. Wayne Lee presentations deliver the ultimate in corporate
entertainment—hilarious, tasteful, and inspiring!!
• OFSA MID YEAR MEETING • EXHIBITION OPEN• SEMINAR SESSIONS
STAFF SERGEANT CAM DURHAM, Toronto Police Services “Managing Expectations” • JEFFREY CHANCELLOR “60
Minutes to Better Embalming” and “Everyday Embalming” • LARRY STUART JR “Myth Mania & Misconception:
Unearthing the Secrets of Cremation” • SHANNON LEAHY “Story 2 Service: Connect with Families through
Storytelling” • JON CLARE “Technology and Your Funeral Home – The Good, The Bad, and The Ugly” • MICHAEL
LEWIS “Managing and Mitigating Stress”
• PRESIDENT’S BANQUET - “WELCOME TO THE FUTURE”
HOTEL INFORMATIONHilton 1-519-439-1661 Single/Double: $129 Triple: $139 Quad: $159Delta London Armouries 1-519-679-6111 Delta Rooms: $119
TRANSPORTATIONThe host hotels and the London Convention Centre are just minutes from the VIA Rail and International Airport.
18 C F D • M a r c h • A p r i l 2 0 1 3
upcomingconventionFSAC
T h u r s d a y J u n e 6 , 2 0 1 3
W e d n e s d a y c o n t i n u e d
“
CFD March • April 2013_Funeral March April 2013 2013-04-05 1:20 PM Page 18
“The Future is Calling”
JUNE 3 - 6, 2013
For Hotel Reservations:
Hilton London Ontario 1 (519) 439-1661Room Rate $139
Visit www.fsac.ca for more information
Delta London Armories 1-800-668-9999Room Rate $119
CFD March • April 2013_Funeral March April 2013 2013-04-05 1:20 PM Page 19
Jim Erb has been named Kitchener-Waterloo Citizen of
the Year.
Jim is a recipient of the Queen’s Diamond Jubilee medal
and has been honoured twice for his four decades of
community work.
It was reported by local media that, Jim Erb, a local
funeral director and “compassionate community leader”
has now been named the 2012 Citizen of the Year for
Kitchener-Waterloo, an honour he said he accepts with
“humility and some embarrassment.” The award was
announced Monday.
“I think I am a reluctant recipient simply because you
don’t do this expecting recognition. But part of the upside
in accepting this is being able to articulate some of the
needs in the community to the broader community,” Erb,
65, said told the reporter of The Record.
Jim said he hopes his recognition will become a “teaching
moment” on the community needs and a challenge to
others to “pull up their socks” and contribute more.
Erb was a founding member 37 years ago of the
Wellesley Apple Butter Festival, a Waterloo city councillor
from 1980 to 1988, chair of the Kitchener-Conestoga
Rotary Club’s annual Christmas turkey drive and past chair
of the Rotary club’s Dream Home project.
He’s been a funeral director for 45 years, and was co-
owner of Erb and Good Funeral Home in Waterloo until
recently when he began semi-retirement to devote more
time to family and volunteer work. That volunteer work
dates back to his 20s, when he became a Big Brother to a
man who is now part of Erb’s family.
His previous awards include the Queen’s Diamond
Jubilee medal, the K-W Chamber of Commerce community
leader of the year award, and has been honoured at the
annual Mayors’ Dinner.
20 C F D • M a r c h • A p r i l 2 0 1 3
Ontario
O N T A R I OF U N E R A L D I R E C T O R
J I M E R BN A M E DC I T I Z E N O F T H E Y E A R
Ontario funeral directorJim Erb named Kitchener-Waterloo Citizen of the Year
CFD March • April 2013_Funeral March April 2013 2013-04-05 1:20 PM Page 20
Introducing Our New
Owner Protection Program
featuring
Guaranteed Growth Rate
Let UsHelp YouGrow YourBusiness!
Rick DrakePresident, Premier PreneedPh: [email protected]
Sheila ZisterOntario District ManagerPh: [email protected]
Contact Us Today For More Informationon This Exciting New Program!
www.premierpreneed.ca
Policy Payout Bonus
Locks in the Interest Rate for 5 Years
Minimum Guarantee for Life of the Policy
Enhanced Death Benefit from Day 1
Preneed to At-Need “Gap” Protec�on
Interest from Day 1 on Enhanced Death Benefit Amount
broughtto you by:
CFD March • April 2013_Funeral March April 2013 2013-04-05 1:20 PM Page 21
Fire crews were called to the Knysh Funeral Home in
Beausejour, Manitoba at about 12:30 a.m. Tuesday March
19 and remained at the burning building through the night.
Heavy smoke filled the air over a large part of a
southeastern Manitoba town when Knysh funeral home
was destroyed by fire.
Some residents reported seeing sooty debris on the
ground five blocks from the fire scene after the massive
overnight blaze.
Firefighters from four different departments fought
the blaze. Crews remained on scene Tuesday morning,
mopping up and watching for hot spots.
Beausejour Mayor Brad Saluk said flames were
shooting 10 to 15 metres in the air.
Saluk says it was a historic building, probably one of
the first built in the town.
"It's another one of our landmarks that are going to be
gone. And the owner of that funeral home … was mayor of
the community as well at one time," he said.
Local media reported that there were no bodies
inside the funeral home at the time and that funeral home
owners informed authorities that there were only a small
amount of chemicals.
Beausejour is located about 50 kilometres northeast
of Winnipeg.
A damage estimate is not available at this time, said
RCMP.
Mounties and the Manitoba Office of the Fire
Commissioner are investigating.
There were no reports of injuries.
Funeral home owner Mike and Sheryl Knysh thanked
the community for their support on the funeral home
website: Mike and Sheryl would like to express our sincereheartfelt thank you to the fire fighters, volunteer fire fighters,fire commissioners and RCMP that risked their lives in severeweather to save and protect our business.
Knysh Funeral chapel will continue to serve all familiesduring this difficult time. This is our mission. Funeralarrangements will be completed in the comfort of your homeand services can be conducted in church or other facilities.We thank you for your understanding.
We thank the communities of Beausejour, Lac duBonnet, Anola, Selkirk and all surrounding communities foryour support to our family and business. We are verygrateful.
Mike Knysh - Owner/Funeral Director
22 C F D • M a r c h • A p r i l 2 0 1 3
Manitoba
F I R ED E S T R O Y S
F U N E R A L H O M EI N B E A U S E J O U RM A N I T O B A
CFD March • April 2013_Funeral March April 2013 2013-04-05 1:20 PM Page 22
CFD March • April 2013_Funeral March April 2013 2013-04-05 1:20 PM Page 23
24 C F D • M a r c h • A p r i l 2 0 1 3
Funeral ServiceAssociation of Canada(FSAC) congratulates thefederal government on theirdecision to increase supportfor the Last Post Fund. Thenew budget proposes $65million over two years toenhance the Funeral andBurial Program and by morethan doubling the currentfuneral servicescompensation rate from$3,600 to $7,376.
“The FederalGovernment’s actions todayensure that Canadianveterans are able to receivethe funerals they deserve,”
said Phil Fredette,Government RelationsChair, Funeral ServiceAssociation of Canada(FSAC), “This decisionhonours the hard work ofthe men and women whofought to support the rightsand freedoms Canadiansbelieve in. Now, eligibleCanadians will get theappropriate recognitionthey have earned with aproper veteran’s funeral anda marked militarygravestone.”
The Last Post Fund is anon-profit organization thatoffers financial benefits forfuneral related expenses toeligible veterans anddisability pensioners.Despite a constant rise infuneral costs, funding ratelevels for the Last Post Fundhad remained constant since2001. This discrepancy infunding was making it harderfor funeral homes toprovide veterans with thedignified burials theywarrant.
“In a national studyrecently conducted, wefound that our memberswere providing similarservices to veterans forsignificantly less than whatthe general public paid,meaning it was up to thefuneral directors acrossCanada to subsidize thiscost of the veteran’sfunerals,” continued Mr.Fredette.
FSAC is very proud tosee that the FederalGovernment recognizedthis injustice and hasincreased support for theLast Post Fund to ensureparity with the true costs offuneral services, includingthe necessary and earnedlevel of dignity for Canadianveterans is honoured.
“We are very grateful tothe Federal Government forrecognizing the importanceof ensuring that ourveterans are properlyrecognized. This really is avictory for all Canadians,”concluded Fredette.
V I C T O R Y F O RV E T E R A N SA D D I T I O N A L
F U N D I N G S U P P O R TF O R F U N E R A L S
CFDONLINE
Funeral Service Association of Canada Pleased with BudgetAnnouncement Regarding the Last Post Fund
CFD March • April 2013_Funeral March April 2013 2013-04-05 1:20 PM Page 24
CFD March • April 2013_Funeral March April 2013 2013-04-05 1:20 PM Page 25
CFD March • April 2013_Funeral March April 2013 2013-04-05 1:20 PM Page 26
27C F D • M a r c h • A p r i l 2 0 1 3
Staff writter, Darren Taylor of SooToday.com
featured an article on P.A.R.T.Y. and the
involvement of Arthur Funeral Home general
manager Bruce Cooke. Many of you will remember past
president of FSAC Ric Hamre speaking about the P.A.R.T.Y
program at various venues across Canada.
Tayler wrote, It is known as the P.A.R.T.Y. Program,
but there is absolutely nothing light-hearted about it.
The Prevent Alcohol and Risk-Related Trauma in
Youth (P.A.R.T.Y.) Program is a powerful day-long event,
held monthly at Sault Area Hospital, in which medical
professionals present to Sault and area high school students
a simulated situation in which a “patient” covered in gory
make-up, acting out the role of a critically ill person after he
or she has indulged in dangerous, life-endangering
behaviour involving alcohol and/or drugs, is treated by
emergency room doctors and nurses.
By far the most shocking part of the day’s event was a
real-life, unplanned viewing of a man who had suffered a
drug overdose and had been officially declared brain dead
by a SAH physician.
The day’s activities began with students gathered and
observing in the emergency unit as paramedic Elyse
Cormier was rushed in to the room by fellow paramedics.
Medical staff told the students that young people are
often rushed into the unit, in serious condition after
indulging in drug and alcohol-related behaviour, from high
school football games, semi-formals, or from accident
scenes involving motor vehicles such as cars, trucks or
ATVs.
“It makes kids realize something wrong could happen if
they cross what is called ‘the stupid line,’ like a spinal cord
injury or a brain injury. It makes them think they are not
invincible and could happen to them. It’s really a wake up
for them. We really push the ‘don’t cross the stupid line’
message.”
Arthur Funeral Home General Manager Bruce Cooke,
who spoke to students at the event, told SooToday.com
“when a tragedy like this happens, right away you feel
heartbroken for the family. It can be prevented. There are
good choices to make. I tell kids to communicate with their
friends and parents and stay safe.”
“Whenever this happens and it relates to us at the
funeral home, your heart just sinks. A huge tidal wave of
grief hits the families.”
Cooke said he has seen a lot of preventable alcohol
and drug related tragedy over the past 25 years.
“I’m getting emotional right now thinking about it. Our
youth are the most important asset we have. When
something like this happens, I see the kids at the funeral
home coming to pay their respects to their friend, and they
look so lost trying to deal with it.”
“With something like P.A.R.T.Y. you’re bringing that
scenario to them, showing what could happen to them.”
Three survivors of alcohol-related accidents were on
hand Friday to tell their stories to the students.
PARTY
R i p p i n g A w a r e n e s s o f t h e S t u p i d L i n e
CFD March • April 2013_Funeral March April 2013 2013-04-05 1:20 PM Page 27
The Province of Manitoba and the Funeral Board ofManitoba never cease to make interesting decisions andabsurd interpretations of their act.
In most jurisdictions the primary role/duty of a licensed(not licenced as it appears multiple times on the Board’swebsite) funeral director is the funeral arrangement interview,entering into contract with bereaved families on behalf of afuneral business and of course directing services.
In Manitoba, however, this is not the case! Anyone inManitoba can complete a funeral arrangement and as far aswe can tell, conduct a funeral. As long as a licensed funeraldirector signs “all documentation” and is responsible for theactions of the person completing the arrangement.
The clouds of ambiguity continue to roll over the fairProvince of Manitoba. The board suggests that“all documentation” be signedby a licensee but yetsends piles ofconflicting
information on what “documentation” is required. It wouldappear from the board’s communications that only onelicensed funeral director is required per ownershipgroup/funeral home to sign documentation and takeresponsibility for employees. Actually, only one licensedfuneral director is required in the entire province as long asshe/he would sign documentation and “take responsibility forthe actions” of employees.
The Funeral Board of Manitoba sent the followingresponse to a funeral director (who shared thiscorrespondence with us) in regards to his query about havinga non-licensed person (his wife in particular) completearrangements, “The Funeral Directors and Embalmers Actstates that “funeral director” means a person who operated
for himself or under his own name or any othername for another person,
partnership, firm orcorporation, a
business fort h e
28 C F D • M a r c h • A p r i l 2 0 1 3
ManitobaCFD receives email from a website entitled, Manitoba Funeral News (mbfuneralnews.com). Many funeral service
professionals are aware the province of Manitoba has been struggling for years to gain support for the ailing professional
association. Manitoba funeral directors have also been fighting for fair legislation to govern funeral service in the province
which seems to move at an undaunting snails pace. The following is an article published on the Manitoba Funeral News
website.
CFD March • April 2013_Funeral March April 2013 2013-04-05 1:20 PM Page 28
purpose of furnishing funeral supplies and services. TheBoard has held that you are the licensee and should sign alldocuments and operate your business for the purpose offurnishing funeral supplies and services. Should your wife, orany employee, carry out meetings with clients or potentialclients, you are responsible for their actions and undertakings.Please note the Act has strict requirements regardingembalming.”
This opens a whole new world of possibilities. Thefuneral home is not required to have a licensed funeraldirector complete arrangements or conduct services as longas there is one who will sign documentation and “beresponsible for staff’s actions and undertakings”. Can youimagine the payroll savings, training and licensing savings?Why bother going to school to get licensed? Why bothergoing to continuing education and paying licence feesannually?
Think of the outcomes according to this interpretationfrom the Funeral Board of Manitoba:
Arbor, SCI or any multi-firm group only need one licensedfuneral director in the province.
You could have on staff anunlicensed member from any
church, community or ethnicgroup completing
a r rangement s
and conducting services. Even better, the licensee can sit on a beach and come
home to sign documents once a year. There is no longer a need to go to school and take
specialized training. In house programs specific to a particularfirm’s needs is sufficient .
This is a boon for immediate disposition providers. Youcan now have whoever going about arranging and completingimmediate dispositions for $10.50/hour. This should bringthe price of immediate disposition right down to $395.00.The days of $695.00 are gone now!
The list could go on and on……There are 200 licensed funeral directors in the Province
of Manitoba that will likely pay the Funeral Board of Manitoba$250.00 in the next few weeks for nothing. Thisinterpretation of the act and stance of the board is a slap inthe face of anyone who ever went to school to be licensed,anyone who ever missed their child’s birthday or Christmas togo complete the duties of a licensee, anyone who completedcontinuing education over the last five years, anyone whoever was proud to be a licensed funeral director…….. youget the point.
While the Funeral Board of Manitoba continues tosystematically dismantle a great profession, theprofessionals of that profession just stand by and watch.
Other provinces and jurisdictions are watching in dismay,where is your professional association? Where is your voice?If you don’t stand up soon, you will soon be no longer.
29C F D • M a r c h • A p r i l 2 0 1 3
Funeral Director’s Licence not required in Manitoba
Author: A bewildered funeral service professional.
CFD March • April 2013_Funeral March April 2013 2013-04-05 1:20 PM Page 29
calendardatesApril 2013
ALBERTA FUNERAL SERVICE ASSOCIATIONALBERTA FUNERAL SERVICE ASSOCIATION
DATE - April 26-27, 2013
EVENT - AFSA Convention, Trade Show & AGM
LOCATION - Sheraton, Red Deer, Alberta
June 2013
FUNERAL SERVICE ASSOCIATION OF CANADAFUNERAL SERVICE ASSOCIATION OF CANADA
DATE - June 3-6, 2013
EVENT - FSAC Convention, Trade Show & AGM
LOCATION - London, Ontario
ONTARIO FUNERAL SERVICE ASSOCIATIONONTARIO FUNERAL SERVICE ASSOCIATION
DATE - June 6, 2013
EVENT - OFSA mid-year meeting
LOCATION - London, Ontario
September 2013
CORPORATION DES THANATOLOGUES DECORPORATION DES THANATOLOGUES DE
QUEBECQUEBEC
DATE - September 9-11, 2013
EVENT - Annual Convention, Tradeshow & AGM
LOCATION - Hôtel et centre des congrès Delta de
Trois-Rivières
ATLANTIC PROVINCES FUNERAL DIRECTORSATLANTIC PROVINCES FUNERAL DIRECTORS
DATE - September 19-22, 2013
EVENT - Annual Convention
LOCATION - Nova Scotia
ONTARIO FUNERAL SERVICE ASSOCIATIONONTARIO FUNERAL SERVICE ASSOCIATION
DATE - September 23 - 26, 2013
EVENT - Annual Convention
LOCATION - Blue Mountain Resort, Collingwood,
Ontario
June 2014
FUNERAL SERVICE ASSOCIATION OF CANADAFUNERAL SERVICE ASSOCIATION OF CANADA
DATE - June 2014
EVENT - FSAC Convention, Trade Show & AGM
LOCATION - St. John’s, Newfoundland
A complete stock of cremation urns available for the convenience of our Funeral Director clients.
St. James Cemetery and Crematorium635 Parliament Street Toronto, Ontario
Tel: (416) 964-9194 Fax: (416) 964-3279B r o c h u r e A v a i l a b l e O n R e q u e s t
30 C F D • M a r c h • A p r i l 2 0 1 3
CFD March • April 2013_Funeral March April 2013 2013-04-05 1:21 PM Page 30
• Experience √• Customer Service √• Options √
New Lincoln MKT Coach
Find out more, contact Don Worrall.
1.888.291.7444We serve you well so you can serve your families well
- it’s Howard Distributors’ winning formula.
HOWARD [email protected] www.funeralcars.ca
Consider all of your options... Howard Distributors superior sales reputation is
NOW AVAILABLE TO ALL FUNERAL PROFESSIONSin Canada from Coast to Coast.
Experience our winning formula! Our many exclusive Canadian funeralhome owner clients rely on the value and customer service options wecontinue to provide.
Discover for your self a new way of doing business,you can buy, sell, trade, or simply walk away at lease end.
• Experience √• Customer Service √• Options √
Consider all of your options... Howard Distributors superior sales reputation is
NOW AVAILABLE TO ALL FUNERAL PROFESSIONSin Canada from Coast to Coast.
Experience our winning formula! Our many exclusive Canadian funeralhome owner clients rely on the value and customer service options wecontinue to provide.
Discover for yourself a new way of doing business,you can buy, sell, trade, or simply walk away at lease end.
Find out more, contact Don Worrall.
1.888.291.7444We serve you well so you can serve your families well
- it’s Howard Distributors’ winning formula.
HOWARD [email protected] www.funeralcars.ca
CFD March • April 2013_Funeral March April 2013 2013-04-05 1:21 PM Page 31
TCS LAUNCHES CREMATION CAMPAIGN
Immediate Cremation Service(exclusive to the profession)
One Person Removal: $140.00Delivery to Crematorium: $140.00Administrative Fees: $100.00Cardboard Cremation Container: $100.00
Total: $480.00
Disbursements are based on current costs
Cremation Fee*: $520.00Coroner's Cremation Certificate: $75.00Municipal Death Registration: $50.00
Total: $645.00
GRAND TOTAL: $1,125.00 (plus HST)
Delivery of cremated remains is available at cost to you based on shipping charges.Additional charge of $65.00 for a two person removal
* Cremation rate is based on use of our selected crematorium. Should you wish a crematorium of your choice, applicable mileage
and cremation charges may apply.
“Let our professional staff ensure a seamless disposition for your families”
LOCAL 416.462.0000TOLL FREE 1.800.263.3012
EMAIL [email protected]
CFD March • April 2013_Funeral March April 2013 2013-04-05 1:21 PM Page 32