QUESTION PERIOD — Ministry of Public Safety
Memorial Grant Program for First Responders
April 21, 2026
Hello, minister. In 2018, the Government of Canada established a national grant program for first responders who die in the line of duty. The Memorial Grant Program for First Responders provides a tax-free grant of $300,000 for family support. This amount has not increased since 2018. According to Statistics Canada, inflation has amounted to about 25% since the introduction of the initiative. Most other government programs like this are indexed to inflation, but this one is not.
Minister, will you commit to increasing the grant amount to make up for the reduced economic value that has occurred over time and fix this issue going forward, potentially with indexing?
Thank you, Senator Tannas. It is a very important question, and it’s an area of deep importance to our government. Similarly to the previous question, let me say that this is also a matter that is in the purview of Minister Olszewski, and I will make sure it is brought to her attention. It is not within my ministerial portfolio. Although it is part of Public Safety Canada, it is a shared ministry with Minister Olszewski, and I will be able to get her to respond to you.
Thank you. On behalf of your particular portfolio, would you recommend that she be doing what is suggested here?
As you are aware, senator, I don’t think you would want to speak for any of your colleagues, just as I don’t want to speak for any of mine. What I will do is ensure she knows that this has been brought up by you and how important it is for you and this house.
