A firefighter helping with hose management during this summers forest fire in Greenfield, NS. Photo: Department of Lands and Forestry
Nova Scotia announced today that they are removing one of the eligibility requirements for volunteer firefighters claiming a $500 tax credit.
Previously to be eligible for the Volunteer Firefighters and Ground Search and Rescue Tax Credit you had to attend 20 percent of the meetings and training sessions hosted by your affiliated fire department.
That is being scrapped this year as the COVID-19 pandemic has made attending and hosting meetings and training sessions more difficult.
“Every day, volunteer firefighters and search and rescue teams help keep Nova Scotians safe. This tax credit recognizes their ongoing commitment,” said Karen Casey, Minister of Finance and Treasury Board. “These changes will ensure volunteer firefighters are still able to qualify even though the pandemic has impacted their ability to attend meetings.”
It’s estimated that around 7,400 people receive the tax credit annually, though what impact this change will have on that figure is still unknown.
Chuck Porter, Minister of Municipal Affairs and Housing says it just made sense to do this in what has been a crazy year.
“These brave men and women routinely, and without hesitation, volunteer their time and risk their personal safety to help others. In a difficult year such as this, the least we can do is be understanding and show some flexibility as a way of saying thank you for all they do for us, and for their ongoing commitment to training and service,” Porter said.
Ground search and rescue members are also eligible for the same benefit but the attendance requirement is not applicable to them.
