Consumer Protection BC has upheld a September 2012 decision to suspend the licence of Cowichan Valley Crematorium Ltd., effective on April 15, 2014, and the business was ordered to stop providing services by that date.

Consumer Protection BC initially suspended the licence of the crematorium in September 2012 as the operator did not provide the documentation needed to meet the requirements for a commercial crematorium licence, as defined in the Cremation, Interment and Funeral Services Regulation.

The business had requested and was granted a reconsideration of the decision, as was their right. The licence suspension was stayed and the business was allowed to continue providing services, pending the outcome of a court case between the crematorium and the Cowichan Valley Regional District.

The judge found that while the crematorium was allowed to operate for many years, it was not allowed under zoning regulations.

“Once the court made its ruling, we were able to start our reconsideration process,” Tayt Winnitoy, Vice President of Consumer Protection BC operations, said in a news release. “As we have still not been supplied with the necessary documentation, the business must cease providing cremation services.”

A backgrounder on cremation services in BC, as well as other tips, information and a list of licensed BC cremation and funeral services providers, can be found on Consumer Protection BC’s online site: www.funeralrightsbc.ca. All recent Consumer Protection BC enforcement actions are also online hereL www.consumerprotectionbc.ca.

Source: Consumer Protection BC

About Consumer Protection BC:
Consumer Protection BC is a not-for-profit corporation whose aim is to provide consumer confidence in the marketplace. CPBC enforces consumer protection laws and licenses and inspectes specific industries, including the funeral industry. It also responds to consumer complaints, investigates alleged violations of consumer protection laws and educates consumers and businesses about their rights and responsibilities. You can follow Consumer Protection BC on Twitter @ConsumerProBC, and read its blog for tips and resources.