January 29, 2019
Province Advises Consumers of Cancelled Funeral Director Licence
The Funeral Board of Manitoba 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Funeral Directors and Embalmers Act has been cancelled and his certificate of qualification under that legislation has been revoked, effective Jan. 18, 2019.
Following a hearing on Nov. 19, 2018, the Funeral Board of Manitoba found Wheeler received money from individuals for pre-arranged funeral service plans on 19 occasions but failed to retain the money and place it in a trust account, as required by The Prearranged Funeral Services Act. In addition, the board found Wheeler sold pre-arranged funeral plans without a licence, contrary to The Prearranged Funeral Services Act. The board ordered Wheeler to pay $6,077.75 in costs related to the hearing.
The board 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.
Manitobans should know there are many options when considering pre-arranged funerals, which 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 funeral board. 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 board 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.
- Follow up with the provider.
Consumers who have questions about funeral services can contact the funeral board at 204-947-1098 or funeralboard@gov.mb.ca. More information is also available at www.gov.mb.ca/funeraldirectorsboard/.
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