FUNERAL LEGISLATION PROTECTS CONSUMERS

Released on November 1, 2001

New legislation taking effect today will better protect people buying

funeral, cremation and burial services.



"These services are often purchased by people when they are vulnerable -

after the death of a family member," Justice Minister Chris Axworthy said.

"This legislation offers consumers more protection, and for the first time,

gives consumers real input into this industry."



The Funeral Services and Cremation Act gives consumers who have purchased

pre-paid funeral services the flexibility to cancel the contract at any

time. It also requires the licensing of funeral directors, embalmers,

crematorium technicians and salespersons. Licensees are required to

provide readily available itemized price lists to consumers.



The new act also establishes the Funeral and Cremation Services Council,

made up of elected industry and publicly appointed members. The council

has by-law making powers to set standards of practice and procedures for

funeral homes and crematoria. Previously, these services were largely

unregulated.



As well, The Cemeteries Act replaces 47-year-old legislation regulating

cemeteries in Saskatchewan. The new act requires all new commercial,

church and private cemeteries with more than 12 plots to establish care and

maintenance funds and sets out regulations to deal with neglected or

abandoned cemeteries.



Both of these pieces of legislation were developed after extensive

consultations with consumer groups, the death services industry, clergy,

SUMA, SARM and the province.



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For more information, contact:



Jeff Bohach

Justice

Regina

Phone: (306) 787-5657

e-mail: jbohach@justice.gov.sk.ca