Rural communities often rely on volunteers to provide first response emergency services, which asks volunteers to put themselves at risk for the safety of others, and the government is acknowledging the difficult job these volunteers perform.
Volunteer firefighters, search and rescue volunteers, and emergency first aid responders will be eligible for non-refundable tax credits beginning in the 2020 tax year, as recognition from the provincial government for their dedication to community safety.
The tax credits allow volunteers who perform a minimum of 200 hours of certified volunteer services each year to claim a $3,000 tax credit amount. Services include being on call, responding to emergency calls, and attending required training sessions and meetings.
Those who receive honoraria for their emergency service will not be able to claim both the income exemption from the federal tax credits and one of the new tax credits at the same time, but can claim one or the other.
Similarly, combined hours of service in all three areas for one individual can be claimed for one of the three tax credits.
Canada Revenue Agency will administer the new tax credits.
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