March 30th, 2020, Ottawa (Ontario) – The President of the Funeral Service Association of Canada (FSAC), Brett Watson, made an announcement today on behalf of funeral professionals across Canada.

“Our members, who are funeral professionals located across Canada, are doing their best to serve the needs of the communities they serve during this pandemic. We want to reassure Canadians that we continue to support grieving families and that their loved ones are still able to receive dignified funerals.” Stated Watson.

Recommendations by the federal government and provincial governments to work from home and self-isolate does impact funeral providers, but the profession continues to do their best to serve their communities. Funerals continue to take place with smaller gatherings limited to immediate family and limited interaction with mourners. All physical contact is discouraged while this situation unfolds.

“Unfortunately, over the last week, Canada has seen it’s first deaths in several provinces due to COVID-19. Funeral professionals are on the front-line of dealing with the deceased of this virus, and while we stand ready to serve, the health and safety of our professionals must be considered.” Continued Watson.

Personal Protective Equipment is required for funeral professionals to safely handle deceased in a safe and sanitary way. Gloves, masks, gowns are all part of the required protocols for routine practices and additional precautions for mortuary care. Community and Public Health depends on the safe and sanitary handling of deceased persons. Difficulty obtaining Personal Protective Equipment impacts funeral workers too and potentially impedes their ability to serve the needs of their communities.

“Although some provinces have designated death care professionals including funeral, crematorium and cemetery workers as essential, but others have not, we are calling on all governments to take the necessary actions to make funeral professionals an essential service and provide them with the necessary Personal Protective Equipment in order to allow them to continue to perform their duties. Our members are ready to continue serving their communities with the right government framework in place.” 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

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