Mr. Speaker, there is growing concern about the ability of volunteer fire departments to recruit new people to serve as first responders.
Volunteer fire services are a major component of Canada's public safety and security infrastructure, protecting the lives and property of thousands of citizens in communities across this great nation. In fact, over 90% of all Canadian communities are protected by volunteer fire departments.
In the villages and communities of Prince Edward Island, the greatest challenge facing volunteer fire services today is the decline of volunteers. The greater need for training and the greater emphasis on liability issues, as well as both parents often working outside the home have all added to time constraints and demands on a volunteer's commitment to serve his or her community.
Volunteer fire departments and, indeed, communities need the federal government to follow through on the tax credit proposed in my private member's bill.