Whereas British Columbias volunteer firefighters and search and rescue members play a critical role in ensuring the safety and well-being of British Columbians, often risking their own lives in dangerous and unpredictable conditions and often contributing their own financial resources to purchase equipment; And whereas the current tax credit of 3,000 for volunteers who provide at least 200 hours of volunteer service to a volunteer fire department, an eligible search and rescue organization, or a combination of both, is a small amount on a per hour basis: Therefore be it resolved that UBCM call upon the Province of British Columbia to increase the existing tax credit for search and rescue and firefighter volunteers from 3,000 to 10,000.
Ministry of Finance Each year, the government reviews provincial taxes and considers changes in preparation of the provincial budget. The government then implements tax changes that it considers appropriate within the context of the Provinces fiscal situation and other priorities. The UBCMs call for the Province of British Columbia to increase the existing tax credit for search and rescue and volunteer firefighters from 3,000 to 10,000 will be considered as part of these discussions.