
The Government of Canada established the Memorial Grant Program for First Responders to recognize their service and sacrifice in keeping Canadians safe. Through the Memorial Grant Program, families of first responders who die as a result of their duties will receive a one-time lump sum, tax-free direct maximum payment of $300,000.
What are the eligibility criteria for the Memorial Grant?
- The date of death must be on or after April 1, 2018.
- The deceased first responder must have been employed or formally engaged to carry out the duties of a police officer, firefighter or a paramedic. This includes all volunteers, auxiliary and reservists.
- The death of the first responder must have resulted from one of the following:
- A fatal injury while actively engaged in the duties of a first responder in Canada;
- An occupational illness primarily resulting from employment as a first responder; or
- A psychological impairment or occupational stress injury (e.g., PTSI) resulting in suicide.
- The deceased first responder must have resided in a province or territory that has signed a Memorandum of Agreement (MOA) with the Government of Canada
- The families of first responders who worked for an Indigenous emergency service are eligible, regardless of whether the province or territory has signed an MOA or not
How do families apply for the Memorial Grant?
Public Safety Canada is the process of contracting with a company to assess applications for the Memorial Grant Program.
In the meantime, surviving family members of a fallen first responder can ask Public Safety Canada to notify them when the chosen company is in place and ready to accept applications. Survivors can email contact information to Public Safety Canada using ps.memorialgrantsubventioncommemorative.sp@canada.ca
What types of information or documents will families need to submit as part of the application?
The Memorial Grant Program is being tailored to recognize and respond to the needs of grieving families with an emphasis on a sensitive, client-service approach. Once selected, the chosen company will help guide applicants through the process, and identify all necessary documentation.
While individual circumstances may vary, most applications will require:
- An application form indicating the identity of the first responder, the identity of the applicant, and the relationship between them
- An attestation from the employer organization confirming the duties of the first responder
- Any medical records or reports necessary to confirm the injury/illness and causes of death of the first responder
- A certified copy of the death certificate
- Any other documents to support the application as may be necessary
Why is there a requirement for a Memorandum of Agreement?
The Government of Canada wants to make sure that families of fallen first responders get the full $300,000 without reductions or offsets from other sources. The MOAs seek a common understanding of the intent of the Memorial Grant, and set out the framework for collaboration with the provinces and territories to facilitate its implementation.
Meetings with provinces and territories are currently underway, and a list of signed agreements will be published online.
Where can families find more information about the Memorial Grant?
Additional information about the Memorial Grant Program, including the Terms and Conditions, can be found at:
https://www.publicsafety.gc.ca/cnt/bt/mmrl-grnt-prgrm/index-en.aspx
Should you have any additional questions, not relating to eligibility, please feel free to contact Service Canada toll free at 1-800-622-6232 or TTY at 1-800-926-9105.
“Your government and your country can’t ever thank you enough for what you do in your professional lives, but we hope that you will see the new Memorial Grant as a reflection of respect and appreciation for the bravery, the service, and the sacrifice of all public safety officers.”
The Honourable Ralph Goodale, Minister of Public Safety and Emergency Preparedness
– Remarks for the Canadian Police Association Legislative Meeting, April 16, 2018