Expanding the Memorial Grant Program
Background
The opportunity exists to expand the Memorial Grant Program for First Responders to include correctional officers, as well as continue to consult with other public safety workers to further broaden the program as appropriate.
Presently, the program provides a lump sum, tax-free payment of up to $300,000 to family members of police officers, firefighters and paramedics (first responders) — employed full-time or part-time, or formally engaged as a volunteer — who have died on or after April 1, 2018, as a result of their duties, that is, the death resulted from a fatal injury, an occupational illness, or a psychological impairment (suicide). Individuals who are not part of the eligible classes but who are performing the duties of a first responder at the time of their death are encouraged to apply, and are considered for the grant, on a case-by-case basis.
To date, memoranda or letters of agreement have been signed [Redacted]— that have committed to take best efforts so that the grant is incremental to existing benefits and is not subject to any reduction under a provincial/territorial program. We anticipate agreements will be in place with the remaining jurisdictions by the end of 2019. (Public Safety Canada will issue a payment to an eligible recipient whether or not such an agreement has been signed.)
Status
Since the program launch on April 1, 2018, [Redacted] applications have been received — 79% [Redacted] from the families of firefighters, 16% [Redacted] from police and 5% [Redacted] from paramedics.
It follows that occupational illness (cancer) has been the leading cause of death [Redacted].
The provinces with the largest number of applicants are: Ontario [Redacted], Alberta [Redacted], and British Columbia [Redacted]. We estimate that [Redacted] payments will be made in fiscal year 2019–20.
Considerations/Next Steps
Expanding the program to include correctional officers (and other public safety workers) would not be complex and could be done quickly. Such a change to the program terms and conditions may be achieved by means of a letter from the Minister of Public Safety and Emergency Preparedness to the Treasury Board President.
Correctional officers, their families and unions are likely to welcome the proposal.
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Existing annual funding of $21.6 million covers [Redacted] grant payments. For the period of 2012–19, an estimated [Redacted] correctional officers died in the line of duty ([Redacted] by suicide) for an average of [Redacted] deaths/year. [Redacted]
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