Firefighter tax credit wins chiefs' praise

A proposed tax credit for volunteer firefighters, announced in Tuesday's federal budget, is a victory, the Canadian Association of Fire Chiefs says.

'These people give everything for nothing.' — Fire Chief Dave Rossiter

Chief Dave Rossiter of St. Peters, P.E.I., has been in Ottawa this week, lobbying for the tax credit in his capacity as a board member of the association.

While he is aware the budget may not pass and the government may fall, Rossiter is pleased all parties have made a commitment to providing volunteer firefighters with the income tax credit.

"When the mention was made of the volunteer income tax credit there was applause from all parties in the house on this."

Under the budget, firefighters would be allowed an income tax credit for up to $3,000 of expenses.

Rossiter said the recognition for volunteers is timely. Two volunteer firefighters died fighting a fire in Listowel, Ont., last week.

"It kind of strikes the message home that these people give everything for nothing," he said.

Rossiter said if the government falls, the Canadian Association of Fire Chiefs would make the credit an election issue.