July 7, 2015
Manitobans Asked for Input on Prearranged Funeral Services Regulation
Manitoba Tourism, Culture, Heritage, Sport and Consumer Protection is inviting Manitoba funeral home owners and managers, funeral directors, industry-related support organizations, consumer associations, and citizens to have their say on a draft regulation related to the Prearranged Funeral Services Act.
Once in effect, the Prearranged Funeral Services Act regulation would enhance protection for Manitobans who purchase prearranged funeral plans by:
- allowing contract cancellation for up to 10 days without penalty;
- requiring payment be made directly to a trust or insurance company to ensure the money is available when needed;
- making it an offence to exert undue pressure, take advantage of a person’s inability to understand a plan, make a sale knowing the person is unable to pay or misrepresent a service as a legal requirement or a cemetery rule;
- giving the Funeral Board of Manitoba inspection and disciplinary powers; and
- increasing fines for offences.
In addition, individuals who are licensed to sell prearranged funeral plans would also have to abide by a code of ethics that would be put in place.
The consultation document and the draft regulation are available by selecting the “Consultation” tab at www.gov.mb.ca/funeraldirectorsboard/index.
Submissions to the consultation will be accepted until Aug. 1.
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