For decades, the remote communities of Haida Gwaii, an archipelago located off the coast of British Columbia, faced significant challenges when it came to funeral services. With no local funeral home and the nearest facilities over 10 hours away in Terrace, families were left to shoulder both logistical and financial burdens, with costs often reaching $10,000 for transportation and service arrangements. This reality changed in 2021 when two residents, George Westwood and Matthew Pierce, championed a solution that reshaped funeral service accessibility for their community.
The Journey of George Westwood: A 33-Year Legacy
George Westwood had been volunteering his time to provide funeral services in Haida Gwaii for over 33 years. His work included collaborating with the coroner’s office and supporting grieving families in the community. Despite his dedication, in 2015, Consumer Protection BC shut down his operations due to his lack of formal licensing and education, placing him at risk of imprisonment. This decision left the community without crucial end-of-life services.
Funeral Director Licensing Exemption
Westwood’s suspension sparked a five-year battle for legislative reform. The campaign to reinstate local funeral services saw heated discussions in the Legislative Assembly of British Columbia, supported by then-North Coast MLA Jennifer Rice. The effort culminated in an amendment to the Cremation, Interment, and Funeral Services Regulation, which came into effect on June 14, 2019. Section 36.1 of the regulation was introduced, allowing up to two individuals to apply for an exemption to provide funeral services in a designated remote area.
“It took a lot more than five years, and a lot of grief and suffering in between,” Westwood told the Chilliwack Progress (source). “It’s a case of having two ways to do it, a right way and a right way, and nothing else is acceptable when it comes to dying. It’s an absolute that has to be dealt with there and then.”
A New Era for Haida Gwaii
In 2021, Westwood and Pierce began operating under the new licensing exemption, ensuring that residents could access funeral services tailored to their needs without the long and costly journey to the mainland. Since Haida Gwaii has always had a small population, it has never been big enough to warrant a funeral home, Pierce explained.
The exemption has provided a lifeline for the community, honoring local traditions and easing the burden on grieving families.
Advice for Other B.C. Communities
For communities facing similar challenges, the story of Haida Gwaii offers valuable insights:
- Understand Regulations: Familiarize yourself with local funeral service regulations and identify any potential paths for exemptions.
- Demonstrate Need: Collect data to showcase the lack of accessible services and the financial or logistical hardships faced by residents.
- Engage Local Leaders: Building relationships with elected officials who can advocate for legislative changes is key. The support of an MLA like Jennifer Rice was crucial in Haida Gwaii’s case.
- Commit to the Process: Legislative change can be slow, as shown by the five-year fight that Westwood and Pierce led. Persistence and patience are essential.
