Legislation Proposed to Provide tax Credits for Volunteer Firefighters, Search and Rescue Volunteers

Legislation introduced this week, if passed, would provide provincial non-refundable tax credits for people who volunteer as firefighters and search and rescue workers.

“Volunteer firefighters and search and rescue personnel are two vital groups we often count on in times of critical need,” said Finance and Treasury Board Minister Ernie Steeves. “We understand that recruitment and retention is key for both of these services, and it is our hope that these proposed tax credits will help bring in and keep more of these valuable public safety volunteers.”

Beginning with the 2024 taxation year, the tax credits would be provided to those who perform at least 200 hours of eligible service in a year. Those hours could be combined between the two volunteer positions, however a person could only claim one of the two credits.

The proposed eligibility conditions match those of the existing federal tax credits.

It is estimated that 3,000 New Brunswick tax filers would benefit from these new credits.

“The responsibilities of firefighters, for example, have expanded greatly and they are often on the scene for car crashes, medical calls, overdoses, off-road rescues and forest fires,” said Steeves.

Steeves said the proposed amendments to the New Brunswick Income Tax Act would provide a maximum annual provincial tax credit of $470.

Redesign of New Brunswick Museum Unveiled

Today is a big, big day in my little world as provincial Heritage Minister and for the people of New Brunswick as the renewed New Brunswick Museum - Musée du Nouveau-Brunswick is officially announced with nearly $108 million in new provincial and federal funding (an additional $8 million was spent before for design and preparations).

Our provincial museum is our largest story book, of sorts, capturing the stories of who we are as New Brunswickers and how we got here.

After 44 iterations of a new museum over 50 years, finally getting this project to the finish line has been so important to me in helping shape New Brunswick’s future. As I work along on big files I sometimes forget to reflect on some of the rewards along the way which I have been able to experience with things like bringing the World Juniors to NB last year, taking on and rebranding the Fundy Trail Provincial Park and securing the PGA tournament at Mactaquac Park this summer. These, and more including funding and support for initiatives in the riding, are things I get real excited about. 🙂

Congratulations to the board of directors at the New Brunswick Museum on this incredibly exciting day.

Soldier On Announced as Official Charity for 2024 Omnium Explore NB

When the PGA TOUR Americas comes to our stunning Mactaquac Provincial Park golf course in July, it will not only be an opportunity to raise the profile of our beautiful province and enjoy some terrific golf, but the tournament will also support military families facing difficult times.

Tonight I was so happy to be able to announce that Soldier On is the official charity selected to benefit from the 2024 Omnium Explore NB Open.

With Mactaquac being located close to a military base, it is only fitting that we are able to support a program like Soldier On, a special program of the Canadian Armed Forces Transition Group (CAFTG), that contributes to the recovery of ill and injured members and veterans by providing opportunities and resources through sport, recreational, and creative activities.

With today’s announcement, we are keeping the momentum going as we continue to plan the tournament and seek more sponsors and volunteers. If you are interested let me know and I can get you in touch with my department of Tourism, Heritage and Culture.

Many hands make light work as they say – and we are hoping to onboard as many helping hands as we can to ensure the success of this event.

Let’s show everyone on the PGA TOUR Americas what we are made of! This is going to be a very exciting summer of golf in New Brunswick.

Thank you Premier Blaine Higgs, MLA Richard Ames, and MLA Mary Wilson (minister responsible for military affairs) for joining me tonight.

I also enjoyed catching up with Trevor McClelland of Commercial Tent Rentals & Sales Limited in Sussex. I love to see our local business and its excellent crew and gorgeous tents be part of this incredible PGA event. #explorenb