Cash and proceeds seized from criminals will help support victims and prevent crime
GARDEN RIVER — To help support victims and prevent crime, the Ontario government is allocating up to $200,000 for Garden River First Nation. The funding is being provided through the Civil Remedies Grant Program.
Funding will support the expansion of educational activities and prevention initiatives for at-risk Indigenous youth through the Gashkigwaadewin “Circle of Protection” program. It will also enhance supports for individuals experiencing intimate partner violence or exploitation in Garden River First Nation.
“This funding from the Civil Remedies Grant Program will help provide meaningful supports for individuals and families in Garden River First Nation through healthy relationship education, support services, and healing circles that promote wellness, safety, and community connection” MPP Bill Rosenberg.
Through the 2026-28 Civil Remedies Grant Program, Ontario is allocating $5 million in cash and proceeds seized from criminals to help 27 law enforcement agencies and community and Indigenous organizations fight crime and strengthen public safety across the province.
“Our government is protecting Ontario by using every available tool, including civil forfeiture, to help police and community partners confront and dismantle criminal networks that prey on our communities,” said Attorney General Doug Downey. “Crime should never pay, and these seized funds will help communities support victims of crime and break the cycle of offending.”
Funding through the Civil Remedies Grant Program is provided through the forfeiture of property or money that has been used for or results from crime.
Quick Facts
- In 2021, Ontario reinvested $1.5 million in cash and proceeds seized from criminals to support 18 community projects focused on helping victims of crime and strengthening local crime prevention.
- Through the Protect Ontario Through Safer Streets and Stronger Communities Act, the Keeping Criminals Behind Bars Act and related measures, Ontario is keeping communities safe and protecting victims of crime.
- Ontario is investing over $2.3 million over three years to expand access to the Independent Legal Advice program which provides free legal advice to victims of sexual assault, human trafficking, intimate partner violence and other sexual offences.
- Ontario is protecting young victims and witnesses of crime by investing $4.2 million to expand the Child Victim Witness Program to seven new communities.
- The Civil Remedies Grant Program is funded exclusively by assets seized and sold through the Civil and Administrative Forfeiture Program, including vehicles, luxury handbags, jewelry, cash and real estate.
Quotes
“For Garden River First Nation, the Civil Remedies Grant Program represents more than a program. It is an opportunity to continue building safer, healthier spaces for our members, while ensuring that victims are supported with care, dignity, and respect. It also allows us to invest in prevention, education, and community-led solutions that reflect who we are as Anishinaabe people.
We welcome this partnership with the Province of Ontario and appreciate the recognition of Indigenous communities as leaders in advancing public safety and healing. When we work together in a good way, guided by respect and shared responsibility, we create stronger paths forward for our youth, our families, and future generations.”
– Karen Bell, Chief, Garden River First Nation
Additional Resources Civil Remedies Act
| Media Contact MPP Bill Rosenberg 705-842-6556 Bill.Rosenberg@pc.ola.org |
