**** CNS Media Release
Memorial Grant for First Responders
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Families of first responders who die as a result of their duties can receive a $300,000 memorial grant to recognize their sacrifice and service.
Attorney General and Minister of Justice Mark Furey made the announcement today, Oct. 28, at a community event in Bridgewater.
Families of firefighters, police officers and paramedics who are fatally injured on the job are eligible for the federally funded award.
“We count on first responders to be there when we need them most,” said Mr. Furey. “We are pleased to partner with the federal government to provide this powerful recognition to the brave people who put themselves at risk to keep us safe and well every day.”
The Memorial Grant Program for First Responders is a federal government program established by Public Safety Canada. The Province of Nova Scotia has signed an agreement with the federal government to not tax the grant and to ensure that other payments a recipient receives from government – for example, income assistance payments are not impacted.
Quotes:
“First responders have difficult and demanding jobs – jobs that put our people in dangerous situations every day. 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.”
– Scott Feener, chief of police, Bridgewater Police Service
Quick Facts:
— Nova Scotia has more than 1,900 police officers, 7,500 career and volunteer firefighters and 1,000 paramedics
— the grant provides a one-time lump sum, tax-free direct payment of $300,000 to families of first responders killed in the line of duty
— the Government of Canada has committed a total of $117.4 million over five years for this program, starting in 2018-19, and $23.4 million per year after
— Raymond Chabot Grant Thornton Consulting Inc. has been contracted by Public Safety Canada to administer the memorial grant program application process
Additional Resources:
For more information about the memorial grant, visit: https://memorialgrant.ca/
