Notice to the Profession: Bereavement sector well within capacity in caring for those who have died during pandemic

BAO News Release —

The bereavement sector’s ability to professionally care for those who have died during the pandemic remains strong and is not at risk of exceeding capacity in Ontario.  

“Funeral establishments, cemeteries, crematoriums and hydrolysis facilities continue to professionally serve the needs of grieving families as usual – well within their resources even as the second wave of the pandemic reaches new heights in infection numbers,” said Carey Smith, CEO/Registrar, Bereavement Authority of Ontario (BAO), the sector’s regulator.

Lockdown measures

“Bereavement professionals, licensed by the BAO, continue to meet the challenges of the pandemic while maintaining safety and strict lockdown measures,” Smith added.

During the current province-wide lockdown all funeral services are restricted to a maximum of 10 attendees at one time, not counting funeral staff. See the BAO’s frequently asked questions and chart for more information.

About the BAO

The Bereavement Authority of Ontario (BAO) is a government delegated authority administering provisions of the Funeral, Burial and Cremation Services Act, 2002 (FBCSA) on behalf of the Ministry of Government and Consumer Services. Responsible for protection of the public interest, the BAO regulates and supports licensed: funeral establishment operators, directors and preplanners; cemetery, crematorium and alternative disposition operators; transfer service operators; and bereavement sector sales representatives across Ontario. The BAO is wholly funded by licensee fees (not tax dollars).

Media contact
David.Brazeau@thebao.ca
Communications Manager
BAO