Sheehan says federal budget won’t hose volunteer firefighters

Local MP Terry Sheehan says the Trudeau government’s latest federal budget includes something important for the “heroic firefighters and rescue workers who put their own safety at risk to protect their fellow Canadians.”

In a press release — which includes two photos of Sheehan posing with local firefighters and search and rescue officials — he trumpets a new tax credit that will put more money in the pockets of volunteer emergency responders.

“Budget 2024 doubles the Volunteer Firefighters Tax Credit and the Search and Rescue Volunteers Tax Credit, from $3,000 to $6,000,” the news release says. “Doubling these tax credits means these essential volunteers can receive up to $450 more every year when they file their taxes.”

Below is the full news release from Sheehan’s office:

Last year, Canadians faced the worst wildfire season on record, with more than 15 million hectares burned—seven times the annual average. In Northeastern Ontario, we saw more than 250 wildfires burn close to 117 000 hectares of land. As the wildfires made worse by climate change increasingly threaten Canadians and our communities, our government is taking action to ensure firefighters and first responders across Canada are well equipped to keep Canadians safe.

To fight wildfires, it is critical to invest in the heroic firefighters and rescue workers who put their own safety at risk to protect their fellow Canadians. That’s why Budget 2024 doubles the Volunteer Firefighters Tax Credit and the Search and Rescue Volunteers Tax Credit, from $3,000 to $6,000. Doubling these tax credits means these essential volunteers can receive up to $450 more every year when they file their taxes.

The federal budget also strengthens our partnership with the International Association of Fire Fighters by providing an additional $800,000 for wildfire fighting capacity and enhanced training, with a focus on the wildland-urban interface. This builds on existing funding to support the federal government’s commitment to train 1,000 wildland firefighters.

We’re addressing the effects of climate change and making sure that Canada’s volunteer firefighters and rescue workers get the support they deserve — just some of the things included in Budget 2024 to make Canada fairer for every generation.

“Volunteer firefighters are present in many of the communities across Canada, including here in Algoma District,” said Sheehan, the Member of Parliament for Sault Ste. Marie and Parliamentary Secretary to the Minister of Labour and Seniors. “I have met with local volunteer firefighters, as well as Sault Search and Rescue, to further understand their work, and how the government can support their teams. These brave volunteers are at the heart of protecting our communities, and play a necessary role in protecting us from the effects of climate change.”