moved for leave to introduce Bill C-420, An Act to amend the Income Tax Act (deduction for volunteer emergency service).
Mr. Speaker, I am pleased to introduce this bill which would amend the Income Tax Act to allow volunteer emergency workers to deduct $3,000 from their taxable income if they perform at least 200 hours of volunteer service in one year.
Volunteer emergency workers make up the bulk of the emergency service providers in our small communities. They represent the majority of Canada's rural firefighters and perform their services selflessly.
Without a thought to the monetary compensation, they put their lives on the line to protect ours. I believe there is something we can do to acknowledge this sacrifice. I am sure there will be a few among us who feel otherwise.
The Canadian Association of Fire Chiefs advises that changes such as this one would greatly assist in the recruitment and retention of volunteer firefighting personnel within our smaller communities. It is a win-win situation for the communities, both in recruitment and in the protection of our infrastructure.
I would like to thank my colleague, the member for Nickel Belt, for seconding this bill. I know it is an issue that is important to him and the constituents he serves, as it is to myself and those I am fortunate to represent.
(Motions deemed adopted, bill read the first time and printed)