Self Governance

Self Governance Report May 20, 2011

At the AGM of the FSANS  last May, a motion passed that this association was to form a committee and in a ten month period, investigate the idea of Funeral Services becoming Self Governing within Nova Scotia, completing this study with a report which was to be given at the 2011 AGM of the FSANS. The study began immediately and each month progressed towards a structured presentation that could be offered to the general membership of this association. Contact was made with each province across Canada, with discussions on self governing, licensing structures and fees. This information was found to be pertinent to the overall presentation as it would give us a wide range of information that would reflect the current fees from the east to west coast. Information including the facts and statistics were also gathered through the Nova Scotia Board of Registration of Embalmers and Funeral Directors and was much appreciated. An email address has also been established for those who have questions or concerns and would like to have them answered. The address is self.gov@bellaliant.net. I had several discussions with the Registrar of Funeral Services of Saskatchewan, as this particular contact had been given to Norma Boudreau, through her association with the national board, his information on the structure of their province as they were self governed. It is of interest sake to note, that there are several jurisdictions that have either no legislation or operate under no regulations at all. Once all information was collected a power point presentation was designed. As more information became available, this presentation became more complete. At the end of the ten month period, the completed study was presented to the Board of Directors of the FSANS at a regular monthly meeting. This same presentation was again repeated the following month for those members that were not available to attend the previous meeting. Following these two presentations, additions, corrections and some constructive critism was taken into account and a few changes were made. Once this was completed, a brief over-view of the presentation attached to a questionnaire was circulated to the licensees of this association across the province for their comments, suggestions and opinions on self governing. A very small and disappointing number of replies resulted from this questionnaire. It was at this time, that I concluded that perhaps this overview was not sufficient information for individuals to offer an opinion and therefore, replies were not sent in; as I realize that this was a fault of my own for a deficiency in information to those whom I expected a reply and for that I apologize for not being efficient in that area of this study. However, a complete presentation is available today with explanation and will be offered at a later time in the agenda and it is my hope that those present today, will now let us hear their opinions. Please keep in mind, at this stage we are still in the investigation process. My suggestion, if it is favourabe of the members present today, is that we progress to the secondary stage of this process and that would be to launch a feasibility study, including projected costs associated with this change and the effects of Self Governing on Funeral Services. The result of this feasibility study would then again, be presented at the 2012 AGM for further deliberation. It has been a pleasure to conduct this study thus far for this association.

Respectfully submitted,

Adam Tipert, Chair