Hello and good day to all. A message in the absence of our President Michael Sargent who is doing his best to return home from an international trip.
We are in what is likely the early days of a worldwide 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