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Application process still on standby for Memorial Grant Program for First Responders

“With the help of Public Services and Procurement Canada, Public Safety has awarded a contract to a service provider who will help administer the program and assess applications,” said an email to Blue Line from the memorial grant address provided.

“Those who have received a tracking number before Sept. 7, 2018 can expect to be contacted by the end of September 2018. Those who obtain a tracking number after Sept. 7, 2018 and prior to the service being fully operational in the coming weeks will be contacted in the order received within 30 days.”

As soon as the third-party service provider is fully operational, a link to the services will be provided on our webpage, the email concluded.

“In the meantime, surviving family members of a fallen first responder can ask Public Safety Canada to notify them when the third-party service provider is formally accepting applications. Surviving family members can email contact information to Public Safety Canada using the following address: ps.memorialgrant-subventioncommemorative.sp@canada.ca. A unique tracking number will be issued to you, where appropriate.”

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.

Ottawa said this grant is a non-economic benefit and does not compensate families of first responders for monetary loss (income replacement) or serve as life insurance, but rather, is in recognition of their service and sacrifice.

“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,” said Ralph Goodale, Minister of Public Safety and Emergency Preparedness.

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;
• A 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.

Additional information about the Memorial Grant Program, including the Terms and Conditions, can be found here.

For any additional questions, not relating to eligibility, contact Service Canada toll free at 1-800-622-6232 or TTY at 1-800-926-9105.