Toronto is receiving a significant boost in its fight against crime, thanks to an innovative funding source: the ill-gotten gains of criminals themselves. Over $400,000 is being directed to the city through the province’s Civil Remedies Program, turning seized assets into resources for law enforcement and vital support services.
The program casts a wide net, capturing everything from luxury goods and cash to properties and vehicles connected to criminal activity. Attorney General Douglas Downey explained that this funding represents a direct repurposing of criminal proceeds, effectively using wrongdoing to bolster public safety.
A substantial portion, up to $200,000, will establish a Centralized Bail Compliance Unit within the Toronto Police. This unit will focus on high-risk offenders, specifically those accused of intimate partner violence, firearms offenses, and the horrific crime of human trafficking.
Police data reveals a dramatic increase in bail compliance checks, jumping from 17,469 in 2024 to 24,399 in 2025, and already exceeding 10,278 this year – a 40% increase. The new unit aims to streamline enforcement and ensure those released on bail adhere to court-imposed conditions.
Another $200,000 is earmarked for Victim Services Toronto, supporting a survivor-led initiative to enhance the justice system’s response to human trafficking. This program will deliver specialized training to over 300 justice professionals, providing crucial insights into trafficking patterns gleaned directly from survivors.
Victim Services Toronto currently assists approximately 500 human trafficking survivors annually, tailoring support to each individual’s unique needs. This funding will strengthen their capacity to provide critical assistance and advocate for those who have suffered unimaginable trauma.
Further investment, totaling over $10,000, will benefit the Jewish Family and Child Service of Greater Toronto’s “Strength at Home” program. This initiative focuses on addressing abusive behaviors within intimate partner and family violence situations, aiming to break cycles of harm.
The program will expand its reach through the training of 13 new staff members and the delivery of group-based prevention programming. By tackling the root causes of violence and fostering healthier relationships, “Strength at Home” offers a path toward lasting change.
These investments are part of a larger $5 million allocation from the 2026-28 Civil Remedies Grant Program, distributed to 27 law enforcement agencies and community organizations across the province. The program demonstrates a powerful commitment to reinvesting the proceeds of crime back into the communities they harm.
