Recognizing their hard work
Tax credit set to double for volunteer firefighters, search and rescue volunteers
The federal government has announced the tax credit for volunteer firefighters and search and rescue volunteers will be doubled in the budget for 2024.
Starting from the tax year 2024, volunteer firefighters will be eligible for an increased tax credit of $6,000, up from the current amount of $3,000. This increase will save them up to $900 per year.
Over the next six years, this represents about $105 million in new support for volunteer firefighters and search and rescue volunteers across the country.
Chrystia Freeland, deputy prime minister and finance minister, said in a news release in advance of the budget that it will serve as an additional support for firefighters.
“Volunteer firefighters keep Canadians safe, while putting their own lives at risk. As wildfires and natural disasters grow more severe, these volunteers remain some of the only first responders in their community. The Volunteer Firefighters Tax Credit and the Search and Rescue Volunteers Tax Credit are there to support the service of remarkable Canadians and encourage more people to do this critical, lifesaving work.”
The Canadian Association of Fire Chiefs made the request to move the credit from $3,000 to $10,000 but the government approved it at $6,000.
Tim Mamye, Charlottetown
fire chief, said it’s a good start.
“It's a positive step, that's for sure, and it's recognizing nd the importance of volunteers," he said in an interview with Saltwire on April 12.
"I know every fire chief across the country is very appreciative of the efforts that the government is making to make it better and entice more, hopefully, to come and volunteer their services.”
He also said that although the incentive had been long overdue, it was a positive one that will make a difference. However, he also stated that the government will continue to receive further requests from the association.
“We'll be back out next year. We have a strong presence in Ottawa. We have an annual conference there as well, that the Canadian Association of Fire Chiefs does, and they meet with all of the decision makers and lawmakers throughout the country. So, it's constantly on the agenda, and we'll keep on pushing forward.”
VOLUNTEER
For Duane Farrell, a volunteer firefighter in Charlottetown, it goes beyond the financial benefits.
“I think it's the recognition of the hard work that volunteers do. They put literally their heart and soul into the community to keep people safe,” he said.
“The fact they're recognizing it is the first thing and then the way they’re recognizing it is through a financial benefit and I think that helps.”
He said the incentive will help cover costs volunteer firefighters incur when using their own vehicles to respond to calls, as well as other expenses such as gas, clothing or damage to their personal property.
“There are just other associated costs with being a volunteer firefighter that you don't really think of, that this will help offset. Some people may have to actually take a day off or lose time at their work, so if they receive a bit of compensation that way to balance it out, that's hugely beneficial as well.”
With increasing call volumes in Charlottetown and a need for volunteers, he said this will encourage more people to volunteer especially those who previously could not afford to take time off from work to volunteer.