British Columbia's consumer protection agency has imposed fines on 19 funeral directors and embalmers for failing to complete mandatory training. Five of these individuals received higher penalties due to previous violations of the rules.
Fines and Training Requirements
Consumer Protection B.C. issued fines ranging from $400 to $1,000 against each director for not completing the training required every two years under the province's Cremation, Interment and Funeral Service Regulation. The training consists of six hours in a program about funeral services, with an additional six hours required for those licensed as embalmers.
In addition to the financial penalties, the directors must complete the required training to come into compliance with the regulations.
Industry Response
Bradd Tuck of the B.C. Funeral Association noted that while 19 seems like a large number, it represents only three percent of the nearly 500 licensees in the province. He explained that some of those cited are retired, on leave, or between employers, and may not have received email reminders from Consumer Protection B.C. At least half of the 19 are not currently working in funeral services.
The association is advocating for changes in how training is delivered. Tuck stated, "We would like to see approval of course accreditation be shifted to the designated education provider rather than the regulatory body. We believe evaluation of whether education meets the needs of continuing education should be done by funeral professionals."
Funeral providers have also requested better communication about licensees' education status and easier reporting. Currently, only licensees can access their education status by request. A system that informs funeral providers of their licensees' education status would increase compliance and ensure adequate reporting of employment changes.
Reforms and Next Steps
Last year, the association offered 34 credit hours of education free to its members. The group is working with the attorney-general on regulatory reforms to reduce the administrative burden for those providing compassionate and dignified essential services. Tuck hopes changes to the law are coming soon.
By law, funeral directors can request a reconsideration of the decision within 30 days. All penalties collected by Consumer Protection B.C. are directed to a consumer advancement fund. The full list of cited directors and embalmers is available at consumerprotectionbc.ca.
