The Journal Newsletter - December 2023, Issue #2023-04

Edition #2023-04

December 2023

& ALL THE BEST FOR 2024!

VALUE PROPOSITION

OACFP’S UNIQUE VALUE: LEADING A RESILIENT BEREAVEMENT SECTOR IN ONTARIO What does OACFP deliver to its members that is unique? What are we better able to do as a collective than we could do on our own as individual companies? Find out in this quarter’s President’s Update.

FALL EVENT RECAP & A LOOK AT 2024 Following a highly successful #oacfp23 conference in Hunstville, OACFP continued to offer additional opportunities for education and networking in the fall of 2023. Check out our highlights here and get a glimpse of what OACFP has in store for 2024!

#OACFPHERE4YOU

PRESIDENT’S UPDATE

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JOHN PERROTTA, HAMILTON MUNICIPAL CEMETERIES

OACFP’S UNIQUE VALUE: LEADING A RESILIENT BEREAVEMENT SECTOR IN ONTARIO What does OACFP deliver to its members that is unique? What are we better able to do as a collective than we could do on our own as individual companies?

OACFP’s Executive Committee recently contemplated these questions as it developed our new Value Proposition Strategy.

Another focal question is, what unites us? OACFP’s commitment to excellence in the bereavement sector is not just a strategic plan; it is a shared commitment to leading our profession, supporting elevated standards of care across Ontario, and building resilience for the companies and people within our sector.

My own personal takeaway brings this home. OACFP will be successful when our members are strong, supported and thriving. Let me share with you some key components of the strategy that you will see more of in the months ahead.

Meeting Challenges with Creative Solutions At the core of our new value proposition lies a profound dedication to service by our member organizations and professionals. This commitment is not just a duty; it is a calling, a recognition that our work transcends mere business transactions. Our work requires special people – and OACFP is committed to supporting our member companies to find and prepare these people for what lies ahead. This requires partnerships, awareness-raising, and ingenuity, and OACFP is ready to embrace this long-term challenge.

THE OACFP IS A TRADE ASSOCIATION THAT LEADS A STRONG AND EVOLVING BEREAVEMENT SECTOR IN ONTARIO. IT DOES THIS BY PROVIDING THE SECTOR’S EMPLOYERS AND EMPLOYEES WITH UNIQUE BUSINESS RESOURCES, PROFESSIONAL DEVELOPMENT, AND ADVOCACY, DESIGNED TO ENABLE THE SECTOR TO UNDERSTAND AND RESPOND TO THE CHANGING SOCIETAL AND BUSINESS CONTEXTS WITHIN WHICH OACFP’S MEMBERS OPERATE.

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PRESIDENT’S UPDATE.....CONT.....

Leading the Bereavement Sector No matter what we aim to do, OACFP must remain – and grow even stronger as – the leader of Ontario’s bereavement Sector. This strategy undertakes this in several ways.

1. Being a leader and trusted resource for the bereavement sector The OACFP is committed to serving our sector in ways that go beyond the basics. With financial management tools, market research insights, or innovative solutions to human resource challenges, our goal is to provide leadership that empowers our members to survive and thrive in an everchanging business environment.

2. Equipping member companies to innovate and solve problems The importance of continuous learning emerged as an important theme during our discussions. This is about more than meeting licensure requirements – it’s about solving the challenges facing our sector and equipping the next generation of leaders.

Our association aims to be a knowledge hub, offering a comprehensive program that includes workshops, seminars, conferences, and certification opportunities. This commitment to lifelong learning benefits our individual member companies and their employees and contributes to the overall elevation of our sector.

3. Advocacy that goes beyond policy and legislation to drive success in the sector Through collaborative efforts with government bodies, regulators, community stakeholders, and the public, our advocacy will extend far beyond policy discussions. It will be about raising awareness of the invaluable contributions made by cemetery and funeral professionals to our local communities and society at large. We will speak up about the need to build for the future, ensuring that the sector has the resources and flexibility it requires to solve problems, grow, and stay resilient.

A Journey to Grow Through the consultation, research and work we put into developing our new value proposition, it became clear that OACFP is moving into our next plan from a position of strength.

Now, we can look forward to getting even better: at listening to members' needs, at raising our voices together with influence, and at providing better, direct and meaningful support that all businesses and professionals in our sector can use.

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PRESIDENT’S UPDATE.....CONT.....

As I wrap this first President’s Message, I am filled with optimism as I envision the positive impact our new value proposition will have on the OACFP and the entire bereavement sector in Ontario. But we need your support to make it happen. Write, download, click, open, watch and engage. Then tell us what you think.

You, the members of OACFP, are its owners.

So, join me, our committed Board and our administration team in making our organization as valuable to you and your business as it can be.

Drop me a line anytime.

John Perrotta, President John.Perrotta@hamilton.ca

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A MESSAGE FROM THE EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR CELEBRATING UNITY: A RESILIENT JOURNEY IN ONTARIO'S BEREAVEMENT SECTOR EMBRACING GROWTH AND UNITY As I reflect on the past year and what is now five years as the OACFP’s Executive Director, I want to pause and highlight the remarkable achievements of our association, our Board of Directors (past and present), and thank each and every one of our members for the support they show the OACFP. Over the past five years, OACFP has flourished, witnessing a 30% surge in membership and an astounding 380% increase in the number of employee contacts from within our member organizations. This growth is a testament to the relevance and effectiveness of our unique value proposition, drawing together professionals from all areas of our unique sector.

Whether you operate as a commercial enterprise, religious organization, not-for-profit, municipality, an independently owned funeral home, a cemetery, crematorium, transfer service or any of the other varied organizations that serve the grieving families of Ontario, we firmly believe that unity is the cornerstone of our sector's strength and you all have a voice in the OACFP.

Members 500

400

300

200

100

0

2018

2019

2020

2021

2022

2023

Our pride lies in the accomplishments and expansion of our association. The substantial increase in organizational membership and the growing number of dedicated professionals within our fold demonstrate the trust and reliance placed on the services and resources provided by OACFP.

Employee Contacts 3,500 3,000 2,500 2,000

A UNIFIED VOICE FOR ADVOCACY

1,500 1,000 500 0

DYNAMIC GROWTH IN MEMBERSHIP AND RESOURCES

2018

2019

2020

2021

2022

2023

In navigating the complex landscape of advocacy, OACFP champions a unified approach. By uniting professionals from diverse segments of the bereavement sector, we amplify our collective voice at all levels of government. This consolidated effort enables us to advocate resoundingly on key issues and effectively engage with policymakers, regulatory bodies, and the public.

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

LEADING THE BEREAVEMENT SECTOR WITH PURPOSE OACFP acknowledges the evolving nature of the bereavement sector and remains committed to spearheading innovative solutions, fostering continuous learning, and advocating beyond policy discussions. Recognizing the challenges faced by our sector, we dedicate ourselves to providing the necessary resources and support to ensure our members not only endure but thrive.

OACFP’S UNIQUE VALUE: BUILDING RESILIENCE Our association's journey is rooted in a commitment to excellence, an unwavering dedication to elevated standards of care, and a relentless pursuit of resilience for our member companies and professionals. OACFP is not merely an association; it is a collective endeavour to fortify the bereavement sector.

In his message, President John Perrotta has outlined how we will move OACFP forward and continue to provide value to our members. This is only possible because of the support and dedication of our members, our staff and our Board.

As we head into 2024 I want to take this opportunity to thank our small but incredibly dedicated staff. Kate McMaster has dramatically increased both the quantity and quality of the education we provide. Her wealth of sector knowledge and dedication to our members is greatly appreciated. Rachel Cleland who provides administration and event support ensures that all of our OACFP events, presentations and networking opportunities run without a hitch and offer creative and unique ways in which our members can interact. Thank you both for a fabulous year.

Thank you to our Board of Directors and the many committees and volunteers who contribute to the success of every OACFP offering. The commitment from these dedicated volunteers is truly incredible.

OACFP takes pride in the strength of our unified voice and the transformative power of continuous education. We celebrate the growth and success of our association and remain steadfast in providing invaluable support to the bereavement sector in Ontario.

As we continue our journey, we invite all members to actively engage, contribute, and shape the future of our dynamic and resilient community.

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GOVERNMENT RELATIONS CORNER ADVOCACY ON BEHALF OF THE MEMBERSHIP With the assistance of McMillan Vantage (our government relations consultant), we have re-engaged our lobby effort and have begun meetings with government officials, most recently with Alex Piccini, Director of Stakeholder Relations, and Liza Kanopatykaia, Senior Policy Advisor of the Ministry of Public and Business Delivery (MPBSD) on December 15.

We continue to address our members' concerns with the appropriate government ministries. This meeting focused on the MPBSD and centred on the areas listed below..

MINISTRY OF PUBLIC AND BUSINESS DELIVERY (MPBSD) Priority of Persons Legislation Assisted Burials and Funeral Services Privacy Concerns regarding the Public Register Potential changes to the FBCSA in 2024

MINISTRY OF THE ENVIRONMENT, CONSERVATION AND PARKS (MECP) Evidence-Based Cremation Emissions Standards Push for implementation of regulations that reflect industry best practices regarding emissions and preheating requirements

MINISTRY OF MUNICIPAL AFFAIRS AND HOUSING (MMAH) Provincial Planning and necessity of new cemetery lands The OACFP Position Paper on this issue is available in the Resources section of our member portal: OACFP Submission, August 3, 2023

GOVERNMENT RELATIONS CORNER

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ADVOCACY ON BEHALF OF THE MEMBERSHIP

OACFP is committed to collaborating with the government to address the unique challenges faced by the bereavement sector and to ensure that the needs of our communities are met effectively.

In addition to our meeting with MPBSD we have submitted our comments regarding our areas of concern as part of the Province’s pre-budget submission process.

We believe that these insights can contribute significantly to the development of policies and initiatives that will benefit both the sector and Ontarians.

CLICK TO READ OUR FULL SUBMISSION

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OACFP MBBA

"I FOUND THIS COURSE TO BE FANTASTIC! IT WAS VERY INFORMATIVE AND EASY TO FOLLOW ALONG. I THINK THE BI-WEEKLY VIRTUAL CHECK-INS WERE INVALUABLE AS THEY GAVE REAL-LIFE EXAMPLES OF HOW TO PUT WHAT WE LEARNED TO USE IN THE BEREAVEMENT SECTOR. HIGHLY RECOMMEND IT!"

Our first OACFP MBBA cohort of 46 sector professionals completed their course in November. Based on a streamlined MBA curriculum, with relevant and actionable knowledge every leader in our industry needs. In just 10 weeks these individuals we able to learn how to build organizational alignment, empower their team to serve their customers better, and the financial fundamentals to build a more profitable community. We thank our wonderful subject matter experts, Glen Timney and Mary McGee, who were able to work with our partner GoalMakers to provide such a valuable program to our members.

Watch for registration information for our 2024 cohort.

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CEMETERY ADMINISTRATION TWO PROGRAMS DELIVERED IN NOVEMBER Members of the OACFP Cemetery Administration Committee and the Municipal Small Cemetery Committee were able to present two training sessions in November.

Our first session, at the invitation of the Crieff Hills Retreat Centre, provided an overview of cemetery administration and governance for small cemeteries. Delivered to over 30 volunteers, this session was an example of regional outreach spearheaded in our 2023 business plan. Thank you to OACFP presenters, John Perrotta, Mark Richardson, Rebecca Kit and Kate McMaster. The OACFP was joined by Paul LeRoy and Hamza Jamid from the Bereavement Authority of Ontario. We thank the BAO for joining is in providing this educational opportunity.

On November 30th we again delivered our annual Cemetery Administration Training virtually. This year focusing on dealing with families, Interment Rights Issues, BAO Compliance and establishing Natural Burial and Pet Sections We thank our presenters, Sandra Aguilar, Jenna Openshaw-Evans, John Perrotta, and Allan Job. With a special thank you to Andrea Sanche, Partner from Ricketts & Harris LLP who joined for our Interment Rights Case Studies.

We remind our members that this year’s session, along with several past sessions, are available in the OACFP ACE education platform.

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DINE & DISCOVER THANK YOU ST. JOHN’S DIXIE CEMETERY & CREMATORIUM Our last Dine & Discover education event for 2023 was held on November 29th at St. John’s Dixie Cemetery and Crematorium.

A record 87 sector professionals came out to hear Steve Ryan discuss his career as a crime specialist with Past-president Ron Hendrix and Kate McMaster, Education Coordinator.

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IAN MERRITT MEMORIAL SCHOLARSHIP We are pleased to once again open applications for the Ian Merritt Memorial Scholarship.

The Ian Merritt Memorial Scholarship recipient will be eligible to attend or enrol in any OACFP-related training or event.

Reasonable travel and accommodation expenses will be covered to attend in-person events. Registration and expense fees will be covered up to a maximum of $2,500. Recipient will have 2-years to take advantage or the full scholarship.

Applications must be received by February 16, 2024.

Submissions will be reviewed by the Awards and Nominating Committee with recommendations made to the Board of Directors.

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OACFP UPDATES & ARTICLES OF INTEREST REMINDERS PROPOSED DIRECTION FOR THE PHASE 2 RFP FOR BODY TRANSPORTATION SERVICES Please see the link to access the message from the Body Transportation Working Group - this information is also available in the Member's Resource Section of your member portal.

PHASE 2 RFP FOR BODY TRANSPORTATION SERVICES MEMBERSHIP RENEWALS Please watch for notices regarding your membership renewal.

These will be sent to the primary contact for your membership organization in mid-December with renewals beginning on January 1. If the primary contact for your organization has changed please contact the office at info@oacfp.com.

ARTICLES OF INTEREST & RESOURSES DECEASED FINGERPRINT SALES INSPIRE FLORIDA PRIVACY BILL HOW AI CAN BE USED IN FUNERAL SERVICES CMHA OFFERS NEW RESOURCES TO COPE WITH GRIEF OVER THE HOLIDAYS FINDING LIGHT IN A FAMILY FUNERAL DURING THE HOLIDAY SEASON THE BENEFITS OF HEALTHY COMMUNICATION AT WORK NEED YOUR TEAM TO WORK DURING THE HOLIDAYS? HERE’S HOW TO MAKE THEM FEEL BETTER

MEMBERS IN THE NEWS TUBMAN FUNERAL HOMES, OTTAWA: UNIQUE THERAPY DOG COMFORTS GRIEVING FAMILIES

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RESOURCES

W.H.O LAUNCHES COMMISSION TO COMBAT LONELINESS HOW TO BE MORE FLEXIBLE ARE YOU A PERFECTIONIST? QUIZ

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OACFP EVENTS

FIRST WEBINAR FOR 2024 -THE NEW DEATH: FROM DIAMONDS TO COMPOST

2024 AT A GLANCE - A FULL LIST OF OACFP EVENTS FOR NEXT YEAR

CHECK OUT OUR EVENTS PAGE OR OACFP FOR ALL OUR EDUCATION OPTIONS OACFP EVENTS OACFP ACE

OACFP EDUCATION

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DON’T FORGET ABOUT OTHER OACFP ONLINE EDUCATION OPPORTUNITIES AT OACFP-ACE

The OACFP has long been a leader in providing quality education for all bereavement sector professionals.

We work in conjunction with all our members and sector stakeholders to provide Ontario’s bereavement professionals with the most up-todate, relevant and cost-effective education and training possible.

We offer a variety of online and on-demand education on our OACFP ACE Learning Management System.

CHECK OUT OUR OACFP ACE HELP VIDEOS ON OUR YOUTUBE CHANNEL

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EMBALMER, BEECHWOOD FUNERAL, CEMETERY AND CREMATION SERVICES, OTTAWA

FUNERAL HOME MANAGER, HOLY CROSS CATHOLIC FUNERAL FUNERAL DIRECTOR - KOPRIVA

HOME - CATHOLIC CEMETERIES &

TAYLOR COMMUNITY FUNERAL HOME ,

FUNERAL SERVICES,

OAKVILLE

ARCHDIOCESE OF TORONTO

OACFP & CHATTERHIGH 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.

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MEMBER BENEFIT SPOTLIGHT Travelling over the Holidays?

OACFP has you covered with both hotel discounts from Hilton and car rentals from Avis/Budget.

Check out our benefits for details.

CLICK HERE TO SEE OUR COMPLETE LIST OF MEMBER BENEFITS

We have arranged for some exciting new member benefits for our members. Look for emails regarding these programs early in the new year!

member

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THE OFFICE WILL BE CLOSED AS FOLLOWS DECEMBER 22ND AT 4:30 PM UNTIL JANUARY 2ND AT 8:30 AM DURING THE TIME THE OFFICE IS CLOSED PLEASE CONTACT THE OFFICE AT: ADMIN@OACFP.COM OR INFO@OACFP.COM FOR URGENT MATTERS.