FSAC Sends Political Party Questionnaire Ahead of 2019 Election
FSAC Political Party Questionairre
The Funeral Service Association of Canada (FSAC) sent a questionnaire to all political parties ahead of 2019 election to gain insight for how each party can help small businesses and in particular, the funeral profession. You can see the five questions asked to each party below and the responses at the bottom of this page. The FSAC team will upload responses as we receive them directly on this page.
QUESTION 1
The majority of funeral homes and crematoriums in Canada are small-to-medium sized enterprises. They support individuals in planning for end-of-life arrangements and aid families who are dealing with the loss of a loved one. What are your party’s plans to support small businesses in Canada, including tax rates or credits?
QUESTION 2
Over the past three decades, the cost of living has increased significantly which has increased the cost of end of life arrangements. Unfortunately, this has had the greatest impact on low-income Canadians who do not have the financial means of honouring their loved ones. While the CPP Death Benefit was recently pegged at $2,500, no matter an individual’s contributions, this is still behind previous lump sum payments available to Canadians. The previous rate in 1997 was $3,580 and at the time provided enough financial support to low-income Canadians. However, with the rising costs of end of life arrangements, as well as the reduced benefit, Canadians are now struggling more than ever. What is your party’s plans to support low-income Canadians who would like to properly honour their deceased loved ones?
QUESTION 3
Funeral professionals quite often will agree to wait for the family to receive the CPP Death Benefit and will carry that amount on their accounts receivable as a gesture of good faith. Depending on when the family applies for the benefit usually determines when the funeral provider gets paid. Unfortunately, sometimes the family does not honour their promise and does not give the death benefit to the funeral home. In order to expedite the process, will your party allow the funeral home to apply for the benefit with the approval from the legal next of kin or executor of the estate?
QUESTION 4
Every year thousands of Canadians contribute to Eligible Funeral Arrangements (EFAs) in order to be prepared for end of life arrangements. Funeral and cemetery pre-planning is encouraged for Canadians because it allows for the final wishes of the deceased to be fulfilled and helps prevent emotional overspending by the family. However, EFA limits have not increased since 1995, despite the rising costs of end of life arrangements. Would your party commit to raising EFA limits in order to allow for Canadians to properly save for end of life arrangements?
QUESTION 5
As a convenience to the family of a deceased loved one, funeral professionals take on disbursements which are then passed along with the final invoice. For example, many funeral professionals will pay for obituaries in newspapers, and pass along the charge and the HST/GST as a disbursement. The challenge many still face however is when the Canada Revenue Agency (CRA) audits their financials. The current law is unclear on the reporting requirements for HST or GST, especially for pass through expenses which are billed back as a disbursement. Would your party commit to examining current laws in order to add clarity for funeral professionals?
