New tax credit assists search and rescue teams, honours late search volunteer

VANCOUVER – A member of a busy Vancouver-area search-and-rescue group says a newly announced federal tax credit for volunteers is a long-awaited affirmation of the importance of their work.

Tuesday’s federal budget unveiled a 15 per cent tax credit for search-and-rescue members who volunteer more than 200 hours a year.

It applies to a maximum $3,000 of taxable income, and North Shore Rescue member Curtis Jones says it can result in a credit of roughly $450.

He describes the measure as an initial but “huge” step toward adequate funding for search-and-rescue groups.

The 2014 budget specifically refers to Jones’ father, Tim Jones, a veteran leader of North Shore Rescue who died in January after thousands of life-saving rescues.

Curtis Jones says his dad selflessly petitioned for more funding and recognition for search-and-rescue volunteers across Canada.