Cash and proceeds seized from criminals will help support victims and prevent crime
June 5, 2026
PEEL REGION — To help support victims and prevent crime, the Ontario government is
allocating over $390,000 to Family Services of Peel and Victim Services of Peel. The
funding is being provided through the Civil Remedies Grant Program.
An investment of up to $196,500 for Family Services of Peel will support the
“Safeguarding Seniors in the Age of AI” program, which will help improve seniors’ digital
safety through specialized training for service providers, as well as community
consultations, education and research to identify online risks and enhance seniors’
safety online.
An investment of up to $196,788 for Victim Services of Peel will support the “This Way
Out” program by hiring and training additional anti-human trafficking counsellors to
expand a pilot project in which counsellors work directly with the Vice Unit of Peel
Regional Police to increase access to trauma-informed case management for survivors
of human trafficking.
“Supporting victims, preventing harm, and protecting vulnerable members of our
community are vital to building a safer Ontario,” said Deepak Anand, MPP for
Mississauga–Malton. “Through the Civil Remedies Grant Program, our government is
investing in Family Services of Peel’s work to help seniors navigate online risks and in
Victim Services of Peel’s efforts to expand support for survivors of human trafficking.
Congratulations to both organizations on receiving this funding and thank you for the
important work you do every day to support Peel residents.”
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
“This funding is critical in enabling Family Services of Peel to respond to the growing
and often invisible threat of technology and AI-enabled victimization among seniors.
Through our Safeguarding Seniors in the Age of AI initiative, we will equip both older
adults and service providers with the knowledge, tools, and confidence to prevent and
respond to emerging digital harms. This investment strengthens community resilience,
enhances safety, and ensures that some of our most vulnerable residents are not left
behind in an increasingly complex digital world.”
– Sandra Rupnarain
Executive Director, Family Services of Peel
“Victim Services of Peel is incredibly grateful to the Ontario Ministry of the Attorney
General for their generous support through the Civil Remedies Grant. This critical
funding will enable us to provide intensive, trauma-informed services to survivors of
human sex trafficking to overcome complex barriers that prevent access to safety and
stability. The Ministry’s vital investment will empower Victim Services of Peel to support
hundreds of survivors live free from violence and exploitation.”
– Sarah Rogers
Executive Director, Victim Services of Peel
Additional Resources
Media Contact
Michael Krupnikov-Prieto
Office of MPP Deepak Anand
Deepak.anandco@pc.ola.org
(905) 696-0367