Families of fallen first responders are now eligible for a $300,000 tax-free memorial grant.
In Bridgewater Monday morning, Justice Minister Mark Furey announced the province’s partnership with the federally funded program for firefighters, police officers and paramedics who died on or in relation to their job.
While Nova Scotian families could apply for the program since it launched in April 2018, the province signed an agreement with the federal government in August 2019 to not tax the grant and make sure other payments a recipient receives from government, such as income assistance, isn’t affected.
Nova Scotia has more than 1,900 police officers, 7,500 career and volunteer firefighters and 1,000 paramedics.
“First responders have difficult and demanding jobs. Jobs that put our people in dangerous situations every day,” Scott Feener, chief of the Bridgewater Police Service, said.
“This grant program will be a welcome support to families of first responders whose loved ones made the ultimate sacrifice to save another and to keep their neighbours safe.”
Family members of first responders who died on or after April 1, 2018, of an occupational illness, fatal injury or psychological impairment are able to apply for the one-time lump sum grant.
The program applies to families of first responders who were full-time, part-time or served as a volunteer.
Applicants are required to provide multiple documents, such as medical records or reports confirmed the injury/illness and cause of death.
The federal government committed $117.4 million over five years to the program. A year after it launched, 19 families had received memorial grants and 53 applications were in process, according to the Department of Public Safety and Emergency Preparedness.
"We recognize that it is impossible to fully replace a husband or wife, mother or father, whenever we lose a first responder under the most tragic circumstances, but this program provides tangible support to families at a time when they need it most," Tom Stamatakis, president of the Canadian Police Association, said.
“While we hope it is used as infrequently as possible, the support for the families of those who lose their lives in services to their communities is a tremendous initiative."
Raymond Chabot Grant Thornton Consulting Inc., contracted by Public Safety Canada, is administering the application process.
How to apply and other details can be found on www.memorialgrant.ca.
