Memorial Societies and funeral Co-ops in Canada
and Funeral Consumer Alliances (FCA) in the United States
Memorial Societies and funeral co-ops each fulfill distinct roles, contributing significantly to the evolution of the funeral industry. Memorial Societies, functioning as non-profit entities, guide members through planning simple, dignified, and cost-effective funerals. Their collaboration with locally-owned funeral homes often results in negotiated reductions for essential services, ensuring the care provided aligns with the standards any consumer would expect.
In contrast, funeral co-ops take a unique approach by running their own funeral companies, collectively owned by their members. Both memorial societies and funeral co-ops require proactive planning, offering members the opportunity to anticipate future needs and save considerable money for their families.
Interestingly, in Canada, memorial societies are more prevalent in the western provinces, while funeral co-ops operate predominantly in the east. This regional distribution underscores the diverse approaches these organizations bring to the funeral industry landscape.
In contrast, funeral co-ops take a unique approach by running their own funeral companies, collectively owned by their members. Both memorial societies and funeral co-ops require proactive planning, offering members the opportunity to anticipate future needs and save considerable money for their families.
Interestingly, in Canada, memorial societies are more prevalent in the western provinces, while funeral co-ops operate predominantly in the east. This regional distribution underscores the diverse approaches these organizations bring to the funeral industry landscape.
Memorial Societies In Canada
British Columbia |
Memorial Society of British Columbia (MSBC) |
949 West 49th Ave., Vancouver, BC V5Z 2T1 https://memorialsocietybc..org mail@memorialsoc.org 604-733-7705 / 1-888-816-5902 |
Alberta |
Cooperative Memorial Society (CMS) |
204A, 223-12 Ave SW., Calgary, AB T2R 0G9 www.calgarymemorial.com admin@calgarymemorial.com 403-248-2044 / 1-800-566-9959 |
Saskatchewan |
Funeral Advisory and Memorial Society of Saskatchewan (FAMSS) |
|
Manitoba |
Closed |
Closed |
Ontario Has participating funeral homes and/or transfer services in Ajax, Barrie, Bowmanville, Brampton, Cobourg, Colborne, Cookstown, Kitchener, Newcastle, Oakville, Orangeville, Oshawa, Ottawa, Peterborough, and Toronto. Information is also available concerning funeral providers within Hamilton, Kitchener-Waterloo and other parts of Southern Ontario. |
Funeral Advisory and Memorial Society (FAMS) |
Funeral Co-operatives in Canada
Ontario |
Funeral Co-operative of Ottawa Inc. |
|
Ontario First Cooperative funeral home in Canada and probably the first in the world being founded in late 1951 and opened for business in 1952. |
The Cooperative Funeral Home of the District of Sudbury |
222 Lasalle Boulevard East, Sudbury, On. P3A 1W5 generalmail@cooperativefuneraire.ca https://www.cooperativefuneralhome.ca 705-566-2100 |
Quebec Includes about 33 funeral cooperatives that operate in Ontario, New Brunswick, Prince Edward Island and Quebec. These cooperatives have nearly 250,000 members and serve approximately 14,000 families each year. |
The Funeral Cooperatives Network (Fédération des coopératives funéraires du Québec) |
|
Prince Edward Island |
Funeral Co-operatives of PEI |
|
Nova Scotia |
SUNSET FUNERAL CO-OPERATIVE LTD |
|
New Brunswick |
Fundy Funeral Home |
|
New Brunswick |
Passage Funeral Co-operative |
|
New Brunswick |
Passage Funeral Chapel |
|
New Brunswick |
Chartersville Funeral Home |
|
Value |
Funeral Consumers Alliances in the United States
In the United States, Funeral Consumer Alliances (FCAs) are nonprofit organizations dedicated to helping individuals and families make informed and cost-effective choices regarding funeral arrangements. These societies operate on the principle of consumer advocacy, aiming to ensure that people have access to affordable and dignified funeral options. Here are some key points about FCAs in the United States:
Find a FCA in the US
- Nonprofit Nature: Funeral Consumers Alliances (FCAs), like memorial societies, are typically nonprofit entities. This means that their primary focus is on serving the interests of their members rather than generating profits.
- Consumer Advocacy: The main goal of FCAs is to advocate for the rights of consumers in the funeral industry. This includes providing education on funeral planning, offering guidance on available options, and working to ensure fair and transparent pricing.
- Educational Programs: FCAs often conduct educational programs and workshops to inform members about their rights, choices, and the legal aspects of funeral planning. This empowers individuals to make well-informed decisions when arranging funerals or preplanning for future needs.
- Discounts and Price Information: Many FCAs conduct surveys of local funeral homes to compile price lists for various services. This information helps members compare costs and make financially responsible choices. Some also negotiate discounts with funeral homes for their members.
- Preplanning Services: FCAs may assist members in preplanning their funerals. This involves making decisions about the type of service, burial or cremation preferences, and other details in advance. Preplanning can help relieve the burden on surviving family members and ensure that the deceased's wishes are honored.
- Local Affiliates: FCAs often have local affiliates or chapters that serve specific regions. These local groups may tailor their services to the needs and regulations of their respective communities.
- Membership Benefits: Joining a FCA typically involves paying a membership fee. In return, members gain access to resources, educational materials, and, in some cases, discounted funeral services.
Find a FCA in the US