About the Funeral Coalition
The Funeral Profession Coalition Council of Canada (FPCCC) is an association of groups with similar interests within the funeral industry, including:
- The Funeral Service Association of Canada (FSAC)
- The Canadian Funeral Tradeshow Association (CFTA)
- The Ontario Association of Cemeteries and Funeral Professionals (OACFP)
The purpose of the Coalition is to allow these associations equal representation and input into industry matters.
The Coalition has worked actively to establish industry standards and serve as a resource to its stakeholders and trade media on various topics such as health issues, industry survey results and changing trends.
The goal of the FPCCC is to have educated and informed members who create positive impressions of the industry in the minds of consumers, thereby keeping it healthy and growing.
History
In 1992, representatives of the funeral, cemetery and supply sectors of the industry met to discuss issues of mutual concern. All three groups agreed that closer association would allow them to share information and facilitate communication between them.
The FPCCC became an autonomous organization in 1995 and by 1999 it had developed and adopted bylaws to further formalize their association.
Since its formation the FPCCC has had many accomplishments:
- Convincing suppliers to adopt casket modifications to meet requirements of the crematorium operators and new Ontario laws
- Setting minimum standards for caskets and cremation containers
Dissemination of information regarding health issues through trade publications - Commissioning the Butler Report – the largest research survey ever undertaken about consumer attitudes and perceptions towards the funeral and cemetery profession in Canada
- Creation of an information campaign to address issues identified in the Butler Report and disseminate it to the industry
In March 2004, the FPCCC commissioned market research company, POLLARA, to follow up on the Butler Report and provide a new benchmark of public attitudes and perceptions about the industry.
In 2005 the FPCCC decided to share the POLLARA Report findings with its members in order to create awareness of the changing needs of consumers, and the urgent need to change attitudes and capabilities for servicing clients.