July 31, 2018
Province Advises Consumers of Suspended Funeral License
The Funeral Board of Manitoba (FBOM) is notifying consumers that Chad R. G. Wheeler’s licence to provide funeral or embalming services under The Funeral Directors and Embalmers Act has been suspended pending a hearing.
The FBOM helps protect consumers by regulating funeral related services through licensing, continuing education and regulatory enforcement. Under Manitoba law, individuals who wish to provide services as a funeral director or embalmer must be licensed by the board. A current list of licensed funeral directors and embalmers is available at www.gov.mb.ca/funeraldirectorsboard/directors.html.
In addition, Manitobans should know there are many options when considering pre-arranged funerals and the rules for them can be regulated by different legislation. Trust-based plans are sold by funeral directors or their agents and salespeople, who must be licensed by the FBOM. A list of licensees is available at www.gov.mb.ca/funeraldirectorsboard/pdf/prearranged_funeral_services.pdf. Wheeler is not licensed to sell trust-based pre-arranged funeral services.
When considering pre-planning, individuals should learn as much as they can about the plan they are considering. The FBOM offers these tips:
- Treat the plan like an investment and manage it like an asset.
- Ask to review the provider’s licences.
- Read all of the information presented by the provider.
- Ask questions to ensure that you understand the plan that is being presented.
- Ensure you understand sections that speak to fees involved with the plan, as well as the conditions relating to cancelling or changing the plan.
- Avoid finalizing any agreement if the plan is not clear or if there appears to be pressure to finalize the agreement.
- Keep your contract safe, refer to it and review it periodically to ensure it still meets your needs.
- Followup with the provider.
Consumers who have questions about funeral services can contact the FBOM at 204-947-1098 or funeralboard@gov.mb.ca. More information is also available at www.gov.mb.ca/funeraldirectorsboard.
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