During its Feb. 11, 2014 budget, the federal government announced a new 15 per cent non-refundable tax credit on an amount of $3,000 for search-and-rescue volunteers who perform at least 200 hours of service a year.
South Cariboo Search and Rescue treasurer Val Severin says a majority of the local organization’s members will benefit from the tax break.
“It’s a relief financially. The volunteers do have personal expenses they put out.
“Aside from missing time at work, they have equipment they need to buy. It’s defintitely appreciated with that in mind.”
According to the Economic Action Plan 2014, the Search and Rescue Volunteers Tax Credit is meant “to recognize the important role played by ground, air and marine search-and-rescue volunteers.”
The late Tim Jones was also mentioned in the budget. Jones, who died on Jan. 19, participated in more than 1,800 search-and-rescue operations during his 26-year career with the North Shore Rescue Team in Vancouver.
“The government is recognizing the importance of search-and-rescue volunteers,” Severin says. “That’s valuable.”
The federal government estimates the measure will reduce federal revenues by $1 million in 2013/14 and by $4 million in each of 2014/15 and 2015/16.
