In a major announcement highlighting the Canadian government’s commitment to enhancing community safety and disaster response, Brampton Centre MP Shafqat Ali, joined by Ministers Harjit Sajjan, Steven Guilbeault, Patty Hajdu, and Jonathan Wilkinson, unveiled crucial aspects of Budget 2024 aimed at boosting support for volunteer firefighters, search and rescue teams, and First Nations partners.
Budget 2024 is set to make significant changes that will double the tax credits for volunteer firefighters and search and rescue volunteers. The Volunteer Firefighters Tax Credit and the Search and Rescue Volunteers Tax Credit will increase from $3,000 to $6,000 starting in the 2024 tax year. This revision is poised to save volunteers up to $900 annually and is part of a broader investment of approximately $105 million over the next six years, which is primarily directed at enhancing the capabilities of volunteers, especially those serving in rural communities.
Additionally, the budget allocates $166.2 million over five years to support First Nations partners in emergency management and preparedness. This funding is critical as First Nations communities are particularly vulnerable to natural disasters, a risk that continues to escalate due to climate change. This funding aims to ensure that these communities have the necessary resources to effectively prepare for and respond to emergencies.
“Supporting Canadians who put their lives on the line during wildfires to keep their neighbors safe is a matter of fairness,” stated MP Shafqat Ali during the announcement. “Volunteer firefighters and search and rescue volunteers play an indispensable role in safeguarding Canadians. Every year, thousands of Canadians volunteer their time and risk their safety.”
The government has also committed to new funding for wildfire firefighter training through Natural Resources Canada’s program, “Fighting and Managing Wildfires in a Changing Climate — Training Fund.” This initiative is designed to equip firefighters with advanced skills and knowledge needed to effectively combat the increasingly frequent and intense wildfires.
With the upcoming 2024 wildfire season approaching, the government’s strategic measures in Budget 2024 aim to strengthen Canada’s disaster response infrastructure, ensuring that frontline defenders have the necessary support to protect communities across the nation effectively.