{March 14, 2006} VICTORIA – The Business Practices and Consumer Protection Authority (BPCPA) is announcing two new charges for funeral provider licensees as follows:

• A $200 charge for breaching a condition of the funeral provider licence by failing to pay the BPCPA administration fee on or before the due date established for such payment by agreement between the Authority and the funeral provider, and
• A $250 charge for the priority inspection of a new facility prior to licensing.

The fees will be effective June 15, 2006.

 The BPCPA operates on a full cost recovery model. The Business Practices and Consumer Protection Authority Act allows the Authority to fund its operating costs from fees or charges for its performance of any duty. Under the Fee Setting Criteria Regulation, the Authority is required to consult with the affected industry and other interested parties before setting fees, charges or other amounts. The regulation also requires the Authority to give at least 90 days’ notice before the fees have effect.

Consultation on the proposed charges was undertaken with the Cremation, Interment and Funeral Services Advisory Group on January 29, 2006 and the group supported the proposal. Following this, there was a 30 day consultation period which closed on March 10, 2006. Notice is being given as of today’s date for the 90 day notice period.

For more information on please visit our Funeral Services webpage.