OTTAWA – “Volunteer firefighters account for 71 percent of Canadas total firefighting essential first responders, and an additional 8,000 essential search and rescue volunteers who respond to thousands of incidents each year.”
Carol Hughes, MP for Algoma-Manitoulin-Kapuskasing, stood in the House of Commons today to table a petition demanding an increase to the Volunteer Firefighter Tax Credit from $3,000 a year to $10,000 a year for those committing to 200 hours of service.
“That comes out to only about $450 per year, or $2.25 an hour,” said Hughes. “But if volunteers work more than 200 hours, the tax credit becomes even less. These essential volunteers not only put their lives on the line, but also play an important role in keeping property taxes low.”
Hughes reiterated calls from the petitioners for the government to support Bill C-310 and increase the firefighter & search and rescue volunteer tax credit ahead of the 2024 fire season, particularly after last years’ record-breaking fire season.
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