canadian funeral directorâ„¢ serving the funeral

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

©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


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.


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

PH. [email protected]

www.thefuneralmagazine.com

5C F D • M a r c h • A p r i l 2 0 1 3

GET IN TOUCH


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


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!


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]


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


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


• 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


• 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



• 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


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

“


“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


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


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:


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


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


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


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.


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.


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


• 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


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]


canadian funeral directorâ„¢ serving the funeral

Documents