Cash and proceeds seized from criminals will help support victims and prevent crime
KENORA — To help support victims and prevent crime, the Ontario government is allocating up to $200,000 for Kenora Sexual Assault Centre. The funding is being provided through the Civil Remedies Grant Program.
Funding will support the Highway 17 Rapid Response Initiative – Anti-Trafficking and Sexual Exploitation Intervention program, improving access to trauma-informed, culturally grounded supports for victims in Indigenous and remote communities along Highway 17.
“The Kenora Sexual Assault Centre has remained a steadfast partner in delivering systems of care to rural and First Nations communities,” said Greg Rickford, Member of Provincial Parliament for Kenora-Rainy River. “Through this investment, we are increasing supports for survivors, supporting the culturally grounded and trauma-informed work that continues to make a difference throughout our region.”
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
“As an organization, the Kenora Sexual Assault Centre sees firsthand the gaps in access to support across rural and Indigenous communities. This funding allows us to respond in a meaningful way—bringing trauma-informed, culturally safe services directly to communities through mobile and virtual approaches. Guided by Indigenous leadership and community voices, this work will strengthen how we support survivors and build safer, more responsive systems of care.”
– Jaye Wesley
Executive Director, Kenora Sexual Assault Centre