April 13th, 2020, Ottawa (Ontario) – Funeral Directors Deemed Federally Essential

On April 2nd , Public Safety Canada released their Guidance on Essential Services and Functions in Canada During the COVID-19 Pandemic. Following a letter from the Funeral Service Association of Canada (FSAC), the guidance included “workers performing mortuary services, including funeral homes, crematoriums and cemetery workers.”

"Acknowledgement by the government of our important work will allow us to continue to serve the communities in which we live and deliver dignified funerals to loved ones.” stated Brett Watson, President of FSAC. “This is also a realization that funeral professionals are at the frontlines during the COVID-19 pandemic and continue to be ready to support governments in their response.” 

In the majority of provincial lists of essential services, funeral professionals have been included as they are called upon during times of mass fatalities. Funeral workers are necessary in all aspects of dealing with the deceased after they are released from healthcare facilities.

“Funeral professionals are already working with governments within their jurisdictions to ensure that those who have passed away from COVID-19 are respectfully and properly handled. These frontline workers are essential, but also require the necessary personal protective equipment (PPE) to ensure they remain safe and healthy. They leave the safety and comfort of their homes and families every day to continue to support thousands of Canadians” continued Watson.

While there continues to be shortages of PPE throughout Canada, all frontline workers including funeral professionals, who play an important role in public health, require the equipment in order to be able to continue to serve their communities. Funeral professionals understand the critical role they play, and how their responsibility in a pandemic supports public health.

“We are calling on all levels of government to make sure that funeral professionals receive the necessary PPE. While our frontline healthcare professionals should continue to be the number one priority in receiving the necessary PPE they require, funeral workers should also be a priority due to the higher risk they face.” concluded Watson.

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The Funeral Service Association of Canada (FSAC) is the national association representing funeral homes and professionals from across Canada.

Media Contact:

Kyle Larkin, FSAC Liaison

Telephone: 905-449-9077

Email: kyle@impactcanada.com

IMPORTANT:
FSAC Provides Local MP & Health Letter Templates for Funeral Professionals Following Federally Essential Designation: https://www.fsac.ca/fsac-provides-local-mp-health-letter-templates-for-funeral-professionals-to-send

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