I don't have the exact number at each level. All we know is that across Canada there are different levels of ongoing training within the local fire departments. Some of the smaller fire departments do not train very often, because they cannot often get the people out to do the training. In a large municipality such as my own, we do at least 200 hours of training a year, plus other specialty training on weekends.
We're suggesting a scale because there are a lot of members of the service who can't spend the time to train, and we do not feel they should get the same tax benefit as the people who are training to protect the citizens of Canada. That's why we introduced the scale.
Another thing you may be interested in knowing is that the House of Commons in London just introduced and passed at second reading a bill much the same as this one. It allows the minister to add other agencies or people to this same tax bracket.
We appreciate that the government has a problem in dealing with emergency responders. But I can assure you that being an emergency responder is a lot different from being a volunteer coach on a hockey team or that kind of thing. I have served in both capacities. I did the hockey to be there for my friends and family. I'm here as a volunteer firefighter to help you if you get into a serious situation. Maybe I can come in and rescue you or save a member of your family. Running into a fire is a lot different from standing outside and watching it.