News

OFSA 2024 Continuing Education Options

Looking to complete your 2024 6 hours of continuing education? 

OFSA has you covered ..... information on options

Be Mindful of Holiday Scams

Unfortunately, the holiday season brings with it, some not so nice individuals taking advantage of the vulnerable. Please be sure to discuss the following holiday scams with family and friends.

OFSA Message to Members

Hello and good day to all. A message in the absence of our President Michael Sargent who is doing his best to get home from an international trip. 

We are in what is likely the early days of a world wide pandemic that has shown a robust need for action. 

While our communities pull together and do their best to fight this pandemic, we at the Ontario Funeral Service Association are working hard to confront all of the struggles that we have today as a profession and we are looking forward to anticipate the struggles of tomorrow, next week and next month. 

Let us make no mistake about the crucial role we play in our communities and the difficulties presented to us when trying to meet those needs in the unprecedented times we are in. 

While answers are hard to come by and change by the hour, we can promise that we are currently and actively doing the following. 

1. Collaborating with the BAO, OACFP, Ministry of Health in planning. 

2. Addressing the potential for both staff shortages in the long term, staff overages in the short term. 

3.  Looking at the possibility of severely increased need for our services with the above issue in mind. 

4. Considering a designation that will assist our members get the equipment, PPE, support that may be needed. 

While these are the items at the top of our list, it is not comprehensive. We appreciate the input and calls from members and all of your questions help us understand both the individual and group challenges as they develop. 

Our biggest strength is each other. Our biggest threat is solitaire. With our strength as a group there is no doubt we can serve our communities in every capacity we are called to. 

Brett A. Denning 

OFSA, Board of Management  

International Women's Day Reflection

A female funeral director, yes. A funeral professional mentored by men who love and care as equally as a female, yes. 

Hamilton Regional – New Pick-Up /Drop-Off Policy

Now requires 2 attendants to pick up and drop off decedents.  The following locations are included....

Changes to the Employment Standards Act, 2000

The most important changes in the ESA will have an impact on workplaces where overtime is common and where employees work more than the ESA maximum weekly hours of work – 48 hours.

OFSA President, Joanne Jonovich shares message

On behalf of the OFSA and its members of independent funeral homes, we are saddened to learn of the health and wellness of Sydney Kiteley.  Sydney is the daughter of Heather Kiteley (President of G.F.D.) and granddaughter of Bill Kiteley (former President of OFSA). 

OFSA President, Rob Wintonyk thanks Members

OFSA President, Rob Wintonyk thanks Members in an open letter for their outstanding effort and assisting with the North York tragedy.