The Memorial Grant Program for First Responders

This program recognizes the service and sacrifice of responders in keeping Canadians safe. Through the program, families of first responders who die as a result of their duties can receive a one-time lump sum, federal tax-free direct maximum payment of $300,000.

What are the eligibility criteria for the Memorial Grant?

• The deceased first responder must have been employed or formally engaged to carry out the duties of a police officer, firefighter, paramedic correctional officer, parole officer or a probation officer. This includes all volunteers, auxiliary and reservists.
• The death of the first responder must have been attributable to, and resulting from, the performance of official duties in the following circumstances:
• a fatal injury while actively engaged in the duties of a first responder;
• an occupational illness primarily resulting from employment as a first responder; or
• a psychological impairment or occupational stress injury (e.g., post-traumatic stress injuries) resulting in suicide.

Who is eligible?

Families of first responders who die as a result of their duties are eligible, based upon the following order of priority:

• the spouse or common law partner; or
• if there is no surviving spouse or common law partner, a surviving child or children divided in equal amounts; or
• if there is no surviving child, a surviving parent or parents divided in equal amounts; or
• if there is no surviving parent, surviving siblings divided in equal amounts; or
• if there are no surviving siblings, the surviving beneficiary(ies) of the deceased's estate.

How to apply for the Memorial Grant?

OXARO has been contracted by Public Safety Canada to administer the Memorial Grant Program application process.

For detailed information, visit https://memorialgrant.ca.

Toll-free: 1-833-469-0753
TTY device: 1-888-362-5889
Email: inquiry@memorialgrant.ca

By mail:
Memorial Grant Program for First Responders
116 Albert St., Suite #1000
Ottawa, ON K1P 5G3

What information or documents are required to apply?

The Memorial Grant Program is tailored to recognize and respond to the needs of grieving families, with an emphasis on a sensitive, client-service approach. While individual circumstances may vary, most applications will require:

• an application form that identifies the first responder, the applicant and the relationship between them;
• an attestation from the employer confirming the duties of the first responder;
• any medical records or reports necessary to confirm that the injury/illness and of the first responder the cause of death of the first responder was attributable to, and resulting from, the performance of their duties;
• a certified copy of the death certificate; and
• any other documents to support the application, as necessary.

Should you have any questions, please feel free to email Public Safety Canada: inquiry@memorialgrant.ca or contact Service Canada toll free at 1-800-622-6232 or TTY at 1-800-926-9105.

Date modified:

2023-11-03