The Ontario Association of Cemetery and Funeral Professionals (OACFP) is a non-profit provincial association founded in 1913.
Formerly known as the Ontario Association of Cemeteries, the association was initially created as a vehicle for Ontario’s cemeterians to exchange ideas and information ensuring high professional operations standards and customer service levels.
In 2003, the Ontario Government responded to changing consumer demand and took steps to replace The Cemeteries Act and The Funeral Director Establishments Act. In its place, they introduced the Funeral, Burial and Cremation Services Act 2002. This was designed to introduce new levels of consumer choice, combined with strengthened consumer protection.
As an Association, we recognized that a unified industry would lead to improved communications amongst industry professionals and higher standards of consumer service. We responded and assumed a leadership role by changing our by-laws to include professional cemeterians, cremationists, funeral directors, funeral transfer services, monument and casket retailers, industry suppliers, industry consultants and affiliated death care industry associations. It is from this broadened membership base that the OACFP was formed.
“Pride in his profession and aim for improvement will cause every Superintendent and Cemetery Official to reach out for knowledge and we trust this Association will be the school to furnish such to them.”
These were words spoken by W.H. Foord, the first President of the Association of the Cemetery Officials of Canada, in his inaugural address, on August 1913. For close to a century, the objectives of the Association have not wavered from Mr. Foord’s inaugural speech. The OACFP is proud to be a leading provincial death-care association dedicated to improving communication and educational opportunities amongst its industry members.
Objectives
1. Developing and providing education and training programs to persons in the bereavement profession;
2. Promoting the highest standards of service in the bereavement profession by studying the best practices related to burials, cremations, funerals and consumer trends;
3. Uniting members of the bereavement profession and promoting the operation of member facilities for the dignified commemoration of the deceased;
4. Making representations to the government and its administrative authorities for legislative change as may be necessary for the bereavement profession consistent with our highest ethical standards.
Vision
The pre-eminent source of information and education for our members, who represent all facets of the bereavement profession, to government, and by way of its members, Ontario’s consumers.
Mission
To unify our members in the pursuit of fulfilling the commemorative needs of the public. We are a membership-driven association focused on providing value through education, professional development, and innovation.