Dear Editor:
Re: Much Ado, Feb. 15 Viewpoint.
Your recent editorial is a disappointing characterization of the B.C. government’s steadfast commitment to the more than 80 search and rescue groups of 2,500 SAR volunteers, 37 Royal Canadian Marine Search and Rescue teams of more than 1,000 volunteers, and 177 fire departments composed of 4,500 volunteer firefighters that consistently put their lives on the line to bring British Columbians home to their loved ones.
We’ve made the largest investments in the history of this province to support search and rescue teams. We cover operational costs for all deployments, more than $9 million last year. We cover the cost of helicopter contracting and fuelling, provide mileage and meal costs for volunteers, training and equipment, liability insurance, workers compensation benefits and the administrative costs for the BC Search and Rescue Association.
On top of this, we provided an additional $10 million to BCSARA to train and equip SAR groups, this includes $100,000 to support North Shore Rescue, which also received $288,000 in community gaming grants.
We’re introducing this $3,000 tax break at a cost of more than $1 million to the province. The credit amount is $151 because British Columbia already has the lowest middle class income tax rates of any province.
The tax benefit matches the federal tax break (also worth $3,000) and when combined, upwards of $600 a year goes back into the wallets of these well deserving heroes. That is why this new tax credit has been applauded by these volunteer associations and their members. Volunteers serve because of their commitment to their community, not for reward.
MLAs Jane Thornthwaite and Ralph Sultan have been champions for North Shore Rescue and MLA Jordan Sturdy is a tireless advocate for the search and rescue teams and volunteer firefighters that serve many of the communities he represents.
We will continue to consult with BCSARA to work towards a sustainable support solution that provides both the flexibility that teams have told us they desire and the stability that they need to continue to bring British Columbians home safe.
Naomi Yamamoto
Minister of State for Emergency Preparedness and MLA for North Vancouver-Lonsdale
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