Released on November 1, 2001
New legislation taking effect today will better protect people buyingfuneral, 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