Funeral Service Association of Canada Pleased with Budget Announcement Regarding the Last Post Fund

A Victory for Veterans with Additional Funding Support for Funerals

OTTAWA, March 21, 2013 /CNW/ - Today the Funeral Service Association of Canada (FSAC) congratulates the Federal Government on their decision to increase support for the Last Post Fund. The new budget proposes $65 million over two years to enhance the Funeral and Burial Program and by more than doubling the current funeral services compensation rate from $3,600 to $7,376.

"The Federal Government's actions today ensure that Canadian veterans are able to receive the funerals they deserve," said Phil Fredette, Government Relations Chair, Funeral Service Association of Canada (FSAC), "This decision honours the hard work of the men and women who fought to support the rights and freedoms Canadians believe in. Now, eligible Canadians will get the appropriate recognition they have earned with a proper veteran's funeral and a marked military gravestone."

The Last Post Fund is a non-profit organization that offers financial benefits for funeral related expenses to eligible veterans and disability pensioners. Despite a constant rise in funeral costs, funding rate levels for the Last Post Fund had remained constant since 2001. This discrepancy in funding was making it harder for funeral homes to provide veterans with the dignified burials they warrant.

"In a national study recently conducted, we found that our members were providing similar services to veterans for significantly less than what the general public paid, meaning it was up to the funeral directors across Canada to subsidize this cost of the veteran's funerals," continued Mr. Fredette.

FSAC is very proud to see that the Federal Government recognized this injustice and has increased support for the Last Post Fund to ensure parity with the true costs of funeral services, including the necessary and earned level of dignity for Canadian veterans is honoured.

"We are very grateful to the Federal Government for recognizing the importance of ensuring that our veterans are properly recognized.  This really is a victory for all Canadians," concluded Fredette.

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)

Kalene DeBaeremaeker
Public Affairs
Phone: [phone]
Cell: 613-857-1758
[email protected]