Dear Membership,
I would like to start out by thanking the membership for your support and words of encouragement over the last 2 months since I have taken over the presidency of the association. The Board continues to be extremely active since that time. We have made the decision to streamline our committees. On these committees is a group consisting of both Board members, and members at large (including associate members). The committees are as follows:
- Governance Committee
- Finance Committee
- Nominations Committee
- Government Relations Committee
- Events Committee
- Outreach Committee
Each committee has already met at least once, created terms of reference and begun the work that lays before us this year. We are blessed to have such committed board members. Just recently our Outreach Committee launched AFSA’s newest endeavour, and we are now posting on social media. Please take a moment to like and follow our page. It is another effective way for us to get up-to-date information out to you, the membership.
The Events Committee is well on its way to organizing our in-person 2022 Annual Funeral Service Convention that will be held in Calgary this year. It is sure to be one to remember! Being back in person for the first time in a while is very exciting to think about. The speakers that are being lined up are world-class presenters. The Fall Education Forum has also been finalized. It will be a technical embalming seminar that will have the option for hands-on learning as well. Keep looking for those dates and opportunities when announced.
The Government Relations Committee is actively working on concerns that have recently been addressed by some of the membership regarding AISH/CSS. We have a meeting with officials from this government branch and will have some resolution soon. I encourage any members that are having significant problems to reach out to the Board so we can keep an open dialogue with the Alberta Government. It was announced at our last AGM that we have struck a joint committee with the AFSRB to make changes and amendments to the Acts and Regulations pertaining to the Funeral & Cemetery’s Act. This committee has recently met and work is underway. We have also held an initial meeting with the Medical Examiners office to begin discussions regarding an increase in fees for rural transfers. Much is in the works.
The Finance Committee has also held its first meeting in the last week.
A full list of committee members can be found here.
The Governance Committee has recently started to look at bylaw revisions to be brought forward to membership. There are a few small changes that must be made to improve the efficiency within the Board. Some changes we have just adopted recently will be adjusted to complement the workings of the Board. The Governance Committee has also completed work on Terms of Reference for each committee, ensuring that all are working in compliance with the bylaws as well as the functioning of the Board.
As you can see, we are very busy and very excited! I look forward to the rest of the year ahead. If you have any questions or comments, please feel free to be in touch with me anytime.
Sincerely,
Chris Jong
AFSA President