The Journal - Issue No. 2024-2 by oacfp.com

PRESIDENT’S UPDATE

JOHN PERROTTA, HAMILTON MUNICIPAL CEMETERIES

NAVIGATING WORKFORCE CHALLENGES, PART 1: STRATEGIES FOR BUSINESS SUCCESS

In part one of our two-part article, we’ll delve into workforce challenges at the individual business level, specifically looking at retention and recruitment and how adjusting licensure regulations can help us tackle these issues. Part two will follow later this summer and will focus on strategies and solutions for workforce challenges at the sector level.

Meeting Public Demands Amidst a Staffing Crisis

We get it: in a rapidly changing landscape, staffing concerns become challenging amidst increasing public demands. Families now want more personalized and diverse options, placing greater pressure on us to adapt and meet these changing needs. This requires retaining existing staff (and up-skilling them to better serve today’s customers) while also attracting new top talent.

However, things aren’t getting any easier with the increased retirement of experienced staff, leading to a loss of institutional knowledge and succession planning challenges. The traditional pipeline for staffing used to be generational, particularly in family-run funeral homes and many of our cemetery operations, where successive generations would join the business and learn the ropes from the last. But this isn’t the reality anymore and we need to find ways to keep our top people while also making it easier to let new and interested talent into our sector.

PRESIDENT’S UPDATE.....CONT.....

Employee Retention in the Bereavement Sector: Key Strategies

In the bereavement sector, where emotional resilience and compassionate care are paramount, retaining skilled employees is crucial for maintaining high standards of service. Here are a few key strategies we have learned from those in other caring professions who face the same challenges.

Supportive Work Environment: Create a workplace culture that prioritizes emotional support and mental health and where every employees voice is heard. Regularly provide access to counseling services and stress-relief programs. Encouraging open communication and peer support can significantly reduce burnout and emotional fatigue.

Continuous Professional Development: Offer ongoing training and development opportunities to help employees advance their skills and careers. By investing in their professional growth, you demonstrate a commitment to their long-term success and satisfaction.

Recognition and Appreciation: Regularly acknowledge and reward the hard work and dedication of your staff. Whether through formal recognition programs or simple acts of appreciation, showing gratitude can greatly enhance morale and loyalty.

Competitive Compensation: Ensure that your compensation packages are competitive within the industry. Include benefits such as health insurance, retirement plans, and paid time off to attract and retain top talent.

Work-Life Balance: Foster a healthy work-life balance by offering flexible scheduling and respecting personal time. Encourage employees to take breaks and vacations to recharge, preventing burnout and maintaining productivity.

Clear Career Pathways: Establish clear career progression paths within your organization. This helps employees see a future with your company and feel motivated to stay and grow with you.

Advocating to Ease Regulation for a Thriving Sector

Although customer satisfaction remains high, burdensome and out-dated licensing requirements make it tough for new (or even seasoned) talent to join our sector. Funeral homes, in particular, have strict licensure requirements, especially for roles involving contract signing and selling at-need products and services. These requirements can create barriers for individuals seeking entry into the sector, as they may lack the specific qualifications or training necessary to obtain licensure. However, adjusting these standards could create opportunities for qualified individuals with strong customer service or administrative skills, for example, to step into roles that suit them, thereby mitigating recruitment challenges and allowing licensed staff to focus on their core responsibilities. Reviewing and revising which roles truly require licensure could also broaden the spectrum of available positions within funeral homes.

PRESIDENT’S UPDATE.....CONT.....

Additionally, we’re observing a notable and encouraging trend individuals from backgrounds such as nursing, long-term care, first responders, and teaching are increasingly looking at opportunities within our sector, underscoring the importance of community engagement in talent acquisition. These individuals are usually looking for a second career or part-time work and bring valuable skills to the table However, the time commitment, geographical limitations of in-person learning, and cost of getting licensed can hold them back from diving in

We applaud Ontario’s two funeral service colleges, the Humber College Funeral Services Program and the Collège Boréal Funeral Service Program, for adapting to today’s reality and offering “hyflex” and extended online options for today’s students

However, introducing alternative pathways to licensure, such as apprenticeships or on-the-job training programs, and prior learning credit, could provide some of these individuals with the necessary experience without the traditional burden That’s why OACFP has been in constant discussions with the Bereavement Authority of Ontario (BAO), our members and other stakeholders to discuss adjusting licensure barriers. We want to help solve your staffing issues, enhance workforce diversity, and support the long-term sustainability of your business

We also recognize that the issues at the individual business level are symptoms of challenges facing the entire sector and many other sectors as well. My next President’s Message will discuss those broader issues and strategies to address them.

Drop me a line anytime

John Perrotta, President

John.Perrotta@hamilton.ca

A MESSAGE FROM THE EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR

ADVOCACY: A CORNERSTONE OF OACFP’S MISSION

I am proud to share the strides we have made in advocating for the bereavement sector. Our commitment to representing and advancing the interests of our members has never been stronger, and our recent efforts underscore the essential role advocacy plays in our mission.

MODERNIZING REGULATORY FRAMEWORKS

One of our top priorities has been engaging with policymakers within the various Ministries that impact the bereavement sector to ensure that the regulations governing our industry are fair, transparent, and supportive of our work. Over the past year, we have actively participated in consultations with the Ministry of Public and Business Service Delivery and Procurement (MPBSD), the Ministry of the Environment Conservation and Parks (MECP), and the Ministry of Municipal Affairs and Housing (MMAH), providing expert input on proposed legislative changes. Our goal has been to advocate for policies that not only protect consumers but also recognize the complexities and sensitivities inherent in our profession.

While the work is ongoing, we can point to our achievements in both changes to the Excess Soil regulations under the MECP that exempted the majority of our members from the framework and our ongoing consultation with the MPBSD in our attempt to modernize the Funeral, Burial and Cremation Services Act, allowing our members to focus more on providing compassionate care to families during their times of need.

A MESSAGE FROM THE EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR.......

ADDRESSING WORKFORCE CHALLENGES

The bereavement sector, like many others, faces significant workforce challenges. We have been proactive in addressing these issues by advocating for policies and programs that attract and retain skilled professionals in our field. Specifically, targeting High School guidance programs with our ChatterHigh resource and focusing on reviewing licensing requirements to enable seasoned and secondcareer individuals easier entry to our sector.

LOOKING AHEAD

None of this work would be possible with out the assistance of our Government Relations Consultant, McMillan Vantage and our government relations committee. I want to sincerely thank all those who have taken part in government meetings over the past year and of course the committee co-chairs, Angie Aquino and John Perrotta. As we continue to navigate the complexities of our industry, OACFP remains steadfast in its advocacy efforts. Our focus will remain on fostering a regulatory environment that supports our members, promoting professional excellence, and building a strong, informed community. I encourage all members to stay engaged with our advocacy initiatives and to share their insights and experiences. Together, we can drive positive change and uphold the values that define our profession.

Thank you for your continued support and dedication to the Ontario Association of Cemetery and Funeral Professionals.

GOVERNMENT RELATIONS CORNER

ADVOCACY ON BEHALF OF THE MEMBERSHIP

With the assistance of McMillan Vantage (our government relations consultant), we will continue to advocate on behalf of the members on several key issues as outlined in a presentation to our members. We have participated in numerous meetings and follow-up communications with various Ministries to effect positive changes while reinforcing the vital and essential role our members play in the province At each opportunity, we urged the government to consider our industry’s perspectives to ensure that Ontarians are well served by the bereavement sector

PROJECT CULTIVATE*

MELBOURNE CEMETERY’S GROUNDBREAKING GRASSLANDS APPROACH ‘PRICELESS’

Costa Georgiadis, host of ABC’s Gardening Australia calls it “groundbreaking” and “priceless”. Southern Metropolitan Cemeteries Trust (SMCT) call it Project Cultivate, and the principle is simple – to re-imagine the possibilities for historical cemetery sites by enhancing their natural landscape.

Project Cultivate began as an exploratory pilot at Melbourne General Cemetery (MGC) in May 2023 and has been designed to offer cemetery managers and visitors sustainable alternatives to traditional cemetery management practices and landscapes with demonstrable and visible benefits.

The impetus behind this project was obvious. How do we, as custodians, look to make our grounds maintenance operations more sustainable - financially, resource-wise, and environmentally friendly - while continuing to meet the expectations of families, external stakeholders, and visitors, particularly at older, end-of-life sites like MGC.

The place, the project and the principles

Opened in 1853, the iconic MGC is regarded as one of Australia’s most significant cemeteries. Located just minutes from the Melbourne CBD, MGC is a 43-hectare site, with almost half being un-gardened, un-turfed monumental areas featuring large numbers of unmarked graves, redundant dirt pathways and dirttopped monuments. These areas, like many cemeteries of similar age and layout, have been largely managed through regular broadscale application of herbicide.

Valid concerns both within SMCT and externally around the shortand long-term impacts of herbicide application at this scale called for a radical, sustainable, meaningful solution, that can be managed and maintained into perpetuity. Enter Project Cultivate. After small scale trials onsite, it was determined that the shallow application of organic mulch to the bare soil was sufficient to suppress most weed growth, but also had an immediate impact on the health of the soil below. Mulching suitable locations across the site saw water retained onsite and drawn into the soil profile, and the compacted clay soils burst back to life. Within just months, with no additional soil amendments, treatments or irrigation, the soil in mulched areas was suitable for planting.

*Article Graciously Shared by the Australasian Cemeteries & Crematoria Association (ACCA)

Project Cultivate - Kangaroo Grass is a key indigenous species at MGC

PROJECT CULTIVATE CONT.......

In terms of plant selection, SMCT engaged several external stakeholders and industry experts, including Traditional Owners, to develop a planting suite that would, once established, become a self-sustaining, lowmaintenance landscape. Using pre-contact plant lists and the appropriate Ecological Vegetation Class, a list of 19 indigenous perennial grasses, wildflowers and groundcovers was developed, selected because of their suitability to the unirrigated, heavily disturbed site, their ability to seed and spread, and their minimal maintenance requirements once established.

- Community Planting Sessions

Cultivate - Plant Establishment Period

Project

Project Cultivate

PROJECT CULTIVATE CONT.......

Successes, sustainability and the future

Since the installation of almost 1500m3 of mulch and 127,000 grassland plants (densely planted at a rate of seven plants per m2) commenced in August 2023, SMCT have already noted the following across the Project Cultivate pilot area:

30% reduction in herbicide use across the site through pilot phase, proposed reduction of almost 100% of herbicide upon completion and establishment of subsequent areas.

Reduction in the urban heat is effective, with a recorded 3°C reduction in ambient air temperature around mulched areas, Heat reduction is expected to increase after establishment of plants.

Improved soil quality and reduction in erosion, runoff, and water pooling, increasing visitor safety and reducing maintenance burden.

Visible increases in biodiversity, including increased activity from beneficial native insects, worms, fungi, and birds.

Creation of a significant, publicly accessible green space for passive recreation, educational and engagement opportunities.

Increased opportunity for community and stakeholder engagement through activations, planting events, citizen science opportunities and co-ordinated education sessions. Partnership opportunities with external stakeholders, including University of Melbourne, City of Melbourne, Zoos Victoria and Traditional Owners.

Increased sustainability and resilience to the effects of climate change, alongside a reduction in ongoing perpetual maintenance requirements.

Given the initial success of the pilot program, SMCT has now committed to converting an additional 16 hectares of unmarked graves to grassland at MGC. Upon completion in 2025, SMCT will have installed 5,334m3 of tree loppers mulch and over 500,000 indigenous plants to previously barren areas of the site.

With less than 2% of Victoria’s grasslands remaining, the ability to re-introduce 23 hectares of a critically endangered ecosystem and create a biodiverse, publicly accessible flourishing native grassland to the heart of Melbourne’s CBD, into perpetuity, is significant. Project Cultivate is biodiversity and sustainability in action. It’s meaningful, tangible, and genuinely groundbreaking; not just for MGC and SMCT, but it sets a blueprint of possibility for all cemeteries across Australia.

Project Cultivate - Author in Established Grassland Area

PROJECT CULTIVATE CONT.......

As Costa Georgiadis explained at the Project Cultivate community celebration event in February 2024, “the pressure on land in our cities is higher than it’s ever been before. The opportunity for us to turn this space into a horticultural asset and take real action is priceless.”

PROJECT CULTIVATE – 5 KEY ACTIONS FOR PROJECT MANAGERS

ENGAGEMENT – STRONG, CONSISTENT COMMUNITY ENGAGEMENT BEFORE, DURING AND AFTER TO GAUGE APPETITE FOR CHANGE, PROVIDE INFORMATION AND ACTIVATE THE PROJECT IN THE PUBLIC SPACE

ACCESS – ENSURE CLEAR, UNIMPEDED ACCESS TO MONUMENTS VIA PATHWAYS AFTER PLANT ESTABLISHMENT – EITHER SEALED, PERMEABLE OR MANAGED TURF WALKWAYS

TIMING – ENSURE PLANTING OCCURS OVER AUTUMN AND WINTER AT UNIRRIGATED SITES TO INCREASE ESTABLISHMENT RATE

INDIGENOUS – SELECT INDIGENOUS PLANT SPECIES, SUITED TO THE SITE AND ABLE TO SEED, SPREAD AND SELF-SUSTAIN

TRIALS – UNDERTAKE SMALL SCALE TRIALS IN SELECTED AREAS TO REFINE PROCESS, PLANT SELECTION AND PROOF OF CONCEPT

2024 CREMATION SYMPOSIUM:

YOUR FIRST STEP TOWARDS CERTIFICATION

THE BAO REQUIRES THAT THE "OPERATOR OF EQUIPMENT AND ALL STAFF HANDLING CREMATION MUST ATTEND THE CREMATORIUM OPERATOR'S CERTIFICATION TRAINING OFFERED BY THE OACFP". - GET YOUR STAFF CERTIFIED TODAY!

On April 16th and 17th we took this year’s Cremation Symposium on the road to Cornwall In addition to the staples of this training training program, Crematorium Operations and The Anatomy of a Cremator, presented by Larry Stuart Jr., FBCSA & Regulatory Compliance, presented by Deputy Registrar of the BAO, Michael D’Mello, Environmental Compliance & Common Problems, Jason Prentice and, Cremation Liability, Poul Lemasters, we were pleased to be joined again by Chief Coroner Dr Dirk Huyer and were able to take an informative tour of South Branch Crematorium

Thank you to this year’s committee, speakers, and of course our hosts in Cornwall for making this such a great two days of training, learning and sector support

This program is also available on-demand at OACFP ACE.

MAY IN OTTAWA

DINE & DISCOVER AND TRUSTED ADVISOR TRAINING

Thank you to our host Capital Funeral Home and Cemetery for two great events in Ottawa this spring.

OACFP @THEJAYS - 2024

OUR 2ND ANNUAL MEMBER’S APPRECIATION NIGHT

For our second year in a row we sold out our group section at the Roger’s Centre. 106 dedicated sector professionals enjoyed an evening of fun and camaraderie.

See you all next year!

CHARITY GOLF DAY - 2024

OACFP SUPPORTS THE UNFORGETABLES FUND

The Sector Gives Back

OACFP members, industry professionals, and supporters came together to create another fantastic day of golf and enjoyment in support of The Unforgettables Fund at SickKids

On June 17th, 106 golfers, 34 sponsors, and numerous volunteers gathered at Richmond Hill Golf Club to beat the heat and raise $30,000 for this worthy cause

Congratulations to our winners: Stuart Parkinson, Ken Koopmans, Mike Doucet, and Hunter Spoljaric from the Township of Essa. Special thanks to committee Chair David Perry for organizing another successful and enjoyable event.

OACFP SUPPORTS THE UNFORGETABLES FUND

BECAUSE EVERY CHILD IS UNFORGETTABLE

"THE

MISSION OF THE UNFORGETTABLES FOUNDATION IS TO ASSIST AT RISK AND GRIEVING FAMILIES WITH FINANCES TO HELP THEM AFFORD A TIMELY AND DIGNIFIED FUNERAL FOR THEIR CHILD."

LEADERSHIP FOR CHANGE IN THE BEREAVEMENT SECTOR

CREATING A FOUNDATION FOR A PSYCHOLOGICALLY HEALTHY AND SAFE WORKPLACE TO FOSTER RESILIENT EMPLOYEES.

The Sector Gives Back

On June 18th over 56 sector leaders took part in the inaugural Leadership for Change in the Bereavement Sector Workplace session as part of the COVID-19 NSERCi research project in conjunction with Collège Boréal

This unique session was specifically designed for supervisors and managers. Participants explored how leaders can build a foundation for a psychologically healthy and safe workplace plus foster resilient employees.

A full project update will be presented at our annual conference this fall and will include a pandemic tool kit specifically designed for bereavement sector operators to better equip the sector for future pandemic preparedness.

REMEMBERING CORINA BURNELL

Left to RIght: Oscar Ribeiro , Cambridge Municipal Cemeteries; Michael D’Mello, The BAO, John Perrotta, OACFP President, Rebecca Kit, Woodlawn Memorial Park, Phillipe Lauriault, OACFP Director, Kate McMaster, OACFP Education Coordinator

Memorial Bench Installed at Parklawn Cemetery, Cambridge

On May 1st, the OACFP Board of Directors in collaboration with Cambridge Municipal Cemeteries, unveiled a memorial bench in honour of former board member and long time cemeterian Corina Burnell Corina joined the bereavement sector 2005 as the Licensing and Compliance Officer for Cemeteries at the Ministry of Government and Consumer Services Corina developed a passion for cemeteries while working at the provincial government. She worked closely with many cemetery operators, helping them achieve compliance with the new legislation. In 2013, she was appointed Deputy Registrar.

In 2015, Corina joined the City of Cambridge as the Manager of Cemetery Operations. Corina was a former member of the OACFP Government Relations Committee and later the OACFP Board of Directors.

In the words of her colleagues at the City of Cambridge, she was "a true leader and great mentor, Corina dedicated her life to her work with the City of Cambridge cemeteries Having served on the board of the Ontario Association of Funeral and Cemetery Professionals and previously working with the Registrar’s Office, Corina was an outspoken advocate for our Cemeteries and our City’s deceased and their families Those who knew Corina well knew how dedicated she was to her work She touched the hearts of many Cambridge residents often giving her own time to help families in their greatest time of need Manager, mentor, colleague, friend – Corina will be deeply missed by us all."

OACFP UPDATES & ARTICLES OF INTEREST

AWARDS

The OACFP Awards, Nominating, and Board Development Committee seeks candidates to be nominated for the various awards for our annual conference and awards ceremony. Please consider nominating a worthwhile candidate for our awards.

The Life Membership is an honour bestowed upon retirement or departure from the industry. A nominee must have been a member in good standing and directly employed in the bereavement sector for a minimum of 10 years

The Award of Merit is to honour exemplary services to our Association and must meet a minimum of four out of the five criteria outlined on the nomination form

The John Cleminson Memorial Award was created as a remembrance to John, who was a dedicated and vital member of our Association. The criteria for this award call for qualities of innovation, exemplary service, and dedication to the sector.

The William C. Draimin Award was established in 2017 to recognize and honour the dedication of those who volunteer and support the OACFP. Those who volunteer in any capacity for the association are eligible Please see the complete criteria as outlined on the nomination forms

We encourage you to advise of eligible candidates for these awards It is a premier opportunity to showcase the creativity, hard work and success of someone within your organization or your peers in another member organization.

The deadline for nomination submissions is July 12, 2024. Click the following links to access the nomination forms:

OACFP UPDATES & ARTICLES OF INTEREST

MEMO FROM THE OFFICE OF THE CHIEF CORONER

JUNE 28, 2024: CORONER'S MEMO TO ONTARIO FUNERAL ESTABLISHMENTS AND TRANSFER SERVICE OPERATORS

FROM THE BAO - WEBSITE COMPLANCE IS EASY AND IMPORTANT

BAO LIFELINE - JUNE 28, 2024

ARTICLES OF INTEREST & RESOURCES

SOCIAL MEDIA WILL TEMPLATE

THE AESTHETICS OF DYING

WHAT BEING QUEER TAUGHT ME ABOUT DEATH

FROM DIAMONDS TO ROCK MUSIC, FUNERALS ARE GETTING A PERSONAL TOUCH

THE POST-PANDEMIC CUSTOMER: MORE DEMANDING, HARDER ON EMPLOYEES

MEMBERS IN THE NEWS

BEECHWOOD CEMETERY, OTTAWA: PRE-PLAN YOUR FUNERAL TO ELIMINATE STRESS ON YOUR FAMILY

TOWNSHIP OF MINDEN HILLS: MINDEN DEBATES CEMETERY CARE RESOURCES

OVERWHELMED? DO THESE 5 THINGS TODAY

FRONT-LINE TRAINING

FOR CEMETERY WORKERS AND FUNERAL PROFESSIONALS

Are you ready for an exciting day of learning and collaboration?

Join us on Wednesday, July 10, 2024, for our Front Line Training Program held this year at Highland Cemetery and Funeral Home in Gormely.

FULL AGENDA IS AVAILABLE HERE: FRONT-LINE TRAINING AGENDA.

MASTER OF BEREAVEMENT BUSINESS ADMINISTRATION

JOIN THE CLASS OF 2024 - STARTING SEPTEMBER 10

WEBINAR - BEHAVIOURAL SCIENCE MEETS THE BEREAVEMENT PROFESSION

Introduction to Behavioural Science: The webinar will open with an exploration of behavioural science, providing foundational knowledge about how individuals make decisions This session will cover key concepts and insights relevant to the bereavement profession

Selected Insights Connected to the Bereavement Profession: Participants will learn about the practical applications of behavioural science in the context of bereavement services. This includes understanding how people process grief and make decisions under stress

TRUSTED ADVISOR TRAINING

#OACFP24 EDITION

Join Us for Trusted Advisor Training at #oacfp24 and Receive Incredible Savings!

Over 150 Funeral Professionals, Cemeterians and PrePlanners have taken the challenge to better their arrangements and become Trusted Advisors - Is 2024 your year?

Take part in our special #oacfp24 Trusted Advisor Training session on Monday of our conference week and receive an incredible discount for the remainder of the conference.

DON’T MISS THIS YEAR’S CONFERENCE AND TRADESHOW

OACFP BURSARYS

The OACFP is honoured to be able to provide bursaries for desearving students at both Ontario Funeral Service Programs in Ontario. Congratulations to:

JULIA O'KEEFEHUMBER COLLEGE, ONTARIO ASSOCIATION OF CEMETERY AND FUNERAL PROFESSIONALS BURSARY

The bursary is presented to a student in the Funeral Service Education program who has maintained high academic standing, demonstrated ability for creative and innovative thought and has exhibited cooperation and leadership among peers.

HANNAH GAUTHIERCOLLEGE BOREAL, BOURSE ONTARIO ASSOCIATION OF CEMETERY AND FUNERAL PROFESSIONALS

The bursary is awarded to a graduate from the Funeral Director – Class 1 or Class 2 program who is eager to learn and sees the value of continuing education. The recipient of this bursary has completed a professional development seminar with a funeral association.

The recipient this year was is Hannah Gauthier. Thank you to Patrick LeBlanc for representing OACFP at the awards ceremony in Sudbury on June 4th.

CREMATORIUM OPERATORGLEN OAKS FUNERAL HOME & CEMETERY, OAKVILLE

FUNERAL DIRECTOR - GLEN OAKS FUNERAL HOME & CEMETERY, OAKVILLE

ARBORIST - ELGIN MILLS CEMETERY, TORONTO

LEADHAND - CEMETERY: CITY OF THUNDER BAY

OACFP has worked with ChatterHigh to bring valuable information regarding a rewarding career in the bereavement sector to Ontario Educators We ask our members to share this information with High School Guidance Departments in your area Click the banner below for more information

OACFP & CHATTERHIGH