Ontario Wildlife Damage Compensation Program

Overview of the Ontario Wildlife Damage Compensation Program program:

The Ontario Wildlife Damage Compensation Program is a government initiative designed to support farmers and livestock producers who experience losses due to wildlife predation. This program provides financial compensation for livestock, poultry, and honey bee colonies that are injured or killed by certain wildlife species. It aims to help farmers recover from the economic impact of wildlife-related losses while encouraging the coexistence of agriculture and wildlife in Ontario.

Benefits of the Ontario Wildlife Damage Compensation Program program:

• The program provides 100% of the value of the loss, up to the prescribed maximum compensation values:
• Cattle, registered: maximum value of $8,000
• Cattle, non-registered: maximum value of $4,000
• Calves, not weaned: up to one month of age, maximum value of 75% of the value of a 500 lb weaned calf; value increases 5% per month up to 6 months of age

Eligibility criteria of the Ontario Wildlife Damage Compensation Program program:

• To be eligible for the Program, the owner must meet the conditions below.
• Be a sole proprietor, corporation, partnership or unincorporated association.
• Be in compliance with and remain in compliance with all federal, provincial and municipal laws.
• As of the kill/injury date on the application, have a valid Farm Business Registration Number (FBRN) within the current or previous calendar year or valid FBRN exemption.
• A valid FBRN will also reference the Owners name (business or Owners name) listed on the application.
• A valid FBRN exemption will:
• Cover the current or previous calendar year.
• Reference the Owner's name (business or name) listed on the Program application.
• Be one of the following:
• Religious exemption: requires a copy of the Religious Exemption Letter as provided by the Agriculture, Food and Rural Affairs Appeal Tribunal (AFRAAT).
• Cultural exemption for Indigenous producers: requires a letter from the Indian Agricultural Program of Ontario (IAPO) verifying the farm business operates in a First Nations community.
• Gross Farm Income Exemption Letter granted by OMAFRA or Agricorp.
• Have a valid Premises Identification (PID) number for the farm property where the damage or kill occurred or a confirmation letter provided by IAPO, or, for beehive, bee colony or beehive-related equipment Damage, have a Beekeeper ID registered under the Bees Act.
• Have a Canada Revenue Agency (CRA) business number. Compensation received under the Program is considered taxable income by Canada Revenue Agency. Municipalities (or the Ministry in the case of bee claims or claims in territories without municipal organization) will issue Statement of Farm Support Payments (AGR1) for income tax purposes.
• Applicants without a CRA Number need to provide their Social Insurance Number (SIN) to the municipality and/or OMAFRA when requested.
• Provide and demonstrate that Reasonable care was taken of livestock, poultry, beehives, bee colonies and beehive-related equipment in order to prevent predation
• Ensure sufficient evidence is available in order to determine that predation was the cause of death or injury
• Agree to fully cooperate with any audits related to compensation the owner receives under the Program
• Agree to be bound by the requirements of the Ministers Order and these Program Guidelines