Increased tax credit to benefit volunteer firefighters in Cypress County

The increased credit can provide savings of up to $900 per year for volunteer firefighters. To qualify for this specific tax credit, 200 annual volunteer hours are required.

That amount is already met by about 90 per cent of the firefighters with Cypress County.

Jason Linton, emergency services coordinator and fire chief, said the initiative will help rural fire services for recruitment and retention.

“The federal government recognizes that fire services are a key role in safe communities, especially with the wildfires last year,” Linton said.

“They played a big role nationally throughout Canada, and this is kind of a reaction to, I think, over the last couple of years, plus the lobbying of the Canadian Fire Services Association to educate the government that rural fire services are hurting throughout the country.”

Cypress Country has been fortunate and able to maintain over 100 volunteer firefighters at all times.

They have recently seen an increase to about 120 members from the 112 they had earlier this year and continue to look for more recruits, especially in the more rural areas.

Linton said that the country’s fire department is lucky with its recruitment and retention.

“There are a lot of fire departments that are really struggling with recruitment and retention right now,” Linton said.

Linton added that the tax credit is appreciated, but isn’t the driving force for volunteers.

“They’re doing it because they truly want to give back to the community,” Linton said.

“It is nice that they are recognized for their contributions, both to Cypress County and with the federal government.”

by Jesse Gill

Increased tax credit to benefit volunteer firefighters in Cypress County

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