Veteran Families and Funeral Service Providers Continue to Shoulder Extra Costs
OTTAWA, Nov. 8, 2012 /CNW/ - The Funeral Service Association of Canada (FSAC) today continued to urge the Canadian government to increase funding to the Last Post Fund, a non-profit organization that finances indigent veteran funerals.
"With Remembrance Day approaching, our Canadian veterans are more than ever top of mind," said Phil Fredette, Government Relations Chair of FSAC. "While the government has no specific plan to increase the Fund's subsidy, we wish to bring to mind that these men and women have done so much for Canada; the least they deserve is to have dignified burials."
The Last Post Fund offers financial assistance for funeral related expenses to eligible veterans and disability pensioners. Last Post funding has remained at the same level since 2001, despite a stable rise in funeral costs. This discrepancy leads to funeral directors or veteran's families subsidizing the cost of veterans' funerals. FSAC conducted a national study which found that members provide comparable services to veterans for much less than what the general public pays.
"Our members respect the contribution Canadian veterans have made to this country, and as such would never turn a Last Post Fund family away," continued Mr. Fredette. "We want to ensure these families have peace of mind during that difficult time."
Veteran groups have also been vocal in their support for an increase to the program. The Army, Navy and Air Force Veterans in Canada (ANAVETS) passed a resolution at their convention this past September stating they would urge the Minister of Veteran Affairs to increase the Last Post Fund to match RCMP and DND current members' levels.
Concluding, Mr. Fredette added that "In some provinces, social services provide more financial support for less legislated services. We have spoken to the Minister and we appreciate his sympathy. This issue will not be resolved by Remembrance Day but it will have to be tackled by the next budget. The last thing these grieving families need is to worry about paying for burial and funeral services. Our veterans deserve better."
The Funeral Service Association of Canada (FSAC) is the leading national funeral professional association, and represents 85% of all deaths in Canada through numerous funeral homes, cemeteries and funeral service professionals across the country. In the countless services provided by our members, the most important aspect of a funeral is dignity. FSAC has been providing leadership and guidance to funeral providers for more than 80 years and works to improve the profession through advocacy and education. Please visit www.fsac.ca for additional information.
SOURCE: Funeral Service Association of Canada (FSAC)
Alexandra Mullins
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