Below are a list of recent desicions reached by the Nova Scotica Board of Registration of Embalmers and Funeral Directors. If you have any questions please contact us directly.
Jillian Nemis Decision - 2019-12-09
David Farmer Decision - 2018-03-09
Anthony Facey Decision - 2018-03-09
James Delaney Decision - 2021-12-20
Joseph Curry Decision - 2022-02-11
Joseph Curry Appeal Decision Statement from the Board of Registration of Embalmers and Funeral Directors
The Nova Scotia Board of Registration of Embalmers and Funeral Directors continues to review the decision provided by the Honourable Justice D. Timothy Gabriel in the matter of Mr. Curry. During the inquiry process, arguments were presented based on the interpretation of the legislation and expectations of the chain of custody procedures. It is unfortunate that this honourable court has ruled against the actualities and practicality of the matter and that it has been decided that a wrongful cremation, despite the current legislation, has not been deemed unprofessional or a wrongdoing. This Board recognizes a stronger approach is needed in light of this decision, and will continue to work with Service Nova Scotia and Internal Services and lawmakers to further tighten and identify legislative issues regarding chain of custody and body identification. Although we acknowledge that the majority of funeral professionals go above and beyond the minimum standards required, there are further improvements that must be made. The funeral director is the trusted individual who has the last responsibilities to ensure that human remains are properly identified before a cremation is performed. The Board is not satisfied this procedure was properly executed, or this situation would not have come before us, and the wrong individual would not have been cremated. We understand this decision may be difficult for the families involved, our thoughts are with them, and we share their frustration. The Board of Registration of Embalmers and Funeral Directors has a mandate to oversee the Embalmers and Funeral Directors Act and Regulations and will continue to execute its due diligence when reviewing this outcome. In light of the decision from the Honourable Justice Gabriel, the license of Mr. Joseph Curry will be reinstated upon Mr. Curry's completion of the necessary annual licensee information submission to the Board of Registration of Embalmers and Funeral Directors.
