North Shore volunteers who risk their lives to save others in the mountains will get a break on their taxes, according to Tuesday's federal budget.
In making the announcement this week, federal Finance Minister Jim Flaherty gave a nod to the accomplishments of the late North Shore Rescue team leader Tim Jones, who died suddenly last month on Mount Seymour.
Jones "exemplified the dedication and commitment required of search and rescue volunteers across Canada," the budget documents noted, adding Jones led "the busiest search and rescue team in Canada..."
The new tax measure will allow search and rescue volunteers who log at least 200 hours of service in a year to claim a 15 per cent credit on $3,000, which amounts to $450 applied against taxes owed.
Much of the federal budget announced Tuesday was described generally as a stay-the-course document with an emphasis on keeping spending low.
While more than $1 billion of new infrastructure money was announced Tuesday, much of that was earmarked for elsewhere in the country - specifically Montreal and Windsor.
Local municipalities are still waiting to find out if they'll get funding from a $14-billion 10-year "major projects" infrastructure program announced last year.
North Shore leaders are hoping the federal government will fund onethird of the cost of the new Lions Gate sewage treatment plant, estimated at up to $700 million.
Tuesday's budget also called for about $3 billion of defence contract spending to be deferred until after 2016-'17. West Vancouver MP John Weston said he doesn't expect that will have any impact on the massive shipbuilding program for non-combat vessels at North Vancouver's Seaspan shipyards.
"I believe we're solid going forward," he said.
"The commitment in principle hasn't changed."
Weston said he was also pleased to see the government allocate additional money to address prescription drug abuse, an issue Weston has highlighted.
Other measures announced in the budget include higher tobacco taxes, and an expected revenue boost of $1.7 billion over six years through closing of tax loopholes and offshore tax havens.
Flaherty's budget included a $2.9 billion deficit for this year - including a $3 billion contingency fund - and a projected $6.4 billion surplus by 2015-'16.
The provincial throne speech - also delivered Tuesday afternoon - also highlighted familiar themes, including a commitment to control spending while pursuing resource industry investments, including those in mining and liquefied natural gas development.
The speech, read by Lt.-Gov. Judith Guichon, referred to the "incredible opportunity of LNG," saying it would boost jobs while helping to fight worldwide climate change.
The throne speech also referred to the need for a long-term transportation plan, and to match postsecondary grads with skilled technical jobs.
