Pre-arranged Funeral Plans to Help Nova Scotians During Time of Loss

Nova Scotians will soon have the option to purchase insurance in funeral homes to fund pre-arranged funeral plans.

Amendments to the Cemetery and Funeral Services Act and the Embalmers and Funeral Directors Act provide consumers with another option to plan ahead and avoid the burden of paying for funeral services during a time of loss.

“The funeral industry wants to give Nova Scotians more options to plan ahead, without having to worry about putting a burden on their families during a difficult time,” said Service Nova Scotia Minister Mark Furey. “These changes provide that opportunity while cutting red tape for the industry.”

Amendments to the acts were made in spring 2014 after consultation with funeral services and the insurance industry, and are consistent with other provinces.

“These changes not only help Nova Scotians better prepare for final arrangements, they reduce a considerable amount of administration duties for funeral homes,” said Adam Tipert, president and funeral director of Sweeney’s Funeral Home, Bridgewater. “Allowing funeral homes to work collaboratively with funeral insurance companies will be a benefit to all consumers.”

The changes will come into effect this September.

Source: Release