Mr. Speaker, I rise today to bring attention to the House to a serious inequity in our current tax system. Emergency service volunteers across Canada who are not paid for their time and efforts are penalized under existing laws. Currently a $1,000 tax free allowance is provided only to those volunteers who receive remuneration for their services.
The Progressive Conservative Party recommended to the finance committee that the Income Tax Act be amended to provide a tax credit of $1,000 to all emergency service volunteers. The PC Party believes this proposal will end the discrimination against rural firefighters who rarely receive any compensation for their work.
The Minister of Finance had a chance to rectify this unjust situation in his latest budget but chose to ignore this recommendation. The current policy is unfair to all those who volunteer their time. We urge the minister to reconsider his decision.
This country needs sound opposition. It does not need group therapy sessions for a united alternative.