Brandon Regional Search and Rescue Association | Fire Chiefs Applaud Federal Increase to Volunteer Firefighter Tax Credit |
 Veuillez appuyer ici pour la version en français FIRE CHIEFS APPLAUD FEDERAL INCREASE TO VOLUNTEER FIREFIGHTER TAX CREDIT Ottawa – April 10, 2024 – Today, the Canadian Association of Fire Chiefs (CAFC) applauds the announcement by the Minister of Emergency Preparedness that Federal Budget 2024 would include a measure to double the Volunteer Firefighter and Search and Rescue Tax Credit from $3,000 to $6,000. “This is a strong and meaningful recognition of the essential firefighting and search and rescue personnel that volunteer in our communities every day and particularly during a grueling wildfire season”, says Chief Ken McMullen President of the Canadian Association of Fire Chiefs (CAFC). “We can’t do enough for these individuals, but this is a great start”. The initiative to raise the tax credit started in British Columbia several years ago and has since been championed by NDP, MP Gord Johns, supported by more than 17,000 Canadians, 100s of communities who have passed resolutions, the CAFC, and like-minded associations, and dozens of MPs from across all parties. Over the past two years, fire chiefs, their departments, and many others from across the country have generated data, prepared briefs, signed petitions, contacted their MPs, asked local councils to pass resolutions, and more, in support of these incredible people. Results of the Great Canadian Fire Census helped to paint the powerful but precarious picture of volunteer firefighter involvement across the country. “This type of volunteerism is potentially dangerous and disruptive, so we couldn’t be more appreciative of the message this sends to one of our most precious resources”. Says Chief McMullen. “To all volunteer firefighters, Canada sees you and needs you. We hope this is a testament to our collective appreciation and we will continue to advocate on your behalf with our friends and partners”, he adds. The association is hopeful that the federal government will continue to increase the tax credit over time to the $10,000 as proposed by MP Gord Johns in Bill C-310. “This is a good investment in great people at a very good time. We are stronger for it and so appreciative”, says CAFC. |
Congratulations to Brandon Reginal Search and Rescue team member, Jeff Bond for successfully completing the 100 Mile race at the MONTANE YUKON ARCTIC ULTRA 2024 in February . He completed the 100 miles in 54 hours, 9 minutes and 6 seconds.
We are always proud of our members and their accomplishments
Photo by Mark Kelly Photography
This past weekend, our team had the opportunity to conduct some winter training in the Brandon Hills, to practice searches, tracking and recovery of a casualty.
Preparing equipment for the search.
Demonstrating how to set up our MULE litter transporter. This enable our team to transport a casualty over long distances through rough terrain.
Demonstrating how to package a casualty in cold weather for evacuation on the MULE.
Using the MULE to transport the litter to the casualty.
Discussing the evacuation plan for the casualty.
Thanks to Bruce, who planned the exercise, and to all the members who participated in developing their skills to better protect the community.
January’s training focused on developing our 24 hour pack and winter survival. The 24 hour pack is already prepared and contains the necessities that we may need if we are deployed for a search. It includes items such a a Global Positioning System, compass, flashlights ( with extra batteries), weather related clothing, first aid pack, survival equipment, water, nutrition ( such as ready to eat meals or energy bars) and any personal kit you may need.
Bruce demonstrating his 24 hour kit.
We also had the opportunity to recognize members for their participation with BRSAR.
Terry (L) receiving recognition for his 5-years with
Bruce (R) being recognized for 10 years with the team from Wendy and Robin
Many thanks the these and all members who volunteer their time to help our community.
L to R : Taras Lychuk, Alan Moulin, current President of The Rotary Club of Brandon, Jeff Ross, Wendy Flanigan, Brian Fowell and Paulette Fowell.
On 22 January 2024, The Rotary Club of Brandon has donated $2500.00 to Brandon Regional Search and Rescue for the purpose of purchasing new rescue ropes. This will allow us to continue to train in rope rescue skills and provide this capability for future searches. Once again, thank you to the Rotary Club of Brandon for their support in the Brandon community.
The team had the opportunity to support the Civil Air Search and Rescue Association (CASARA) team in Brandon conduct trials of their new drone. The exercise conducted around Camp Hughes ( South of Highway 1, near Carberry) has members of our team acting as lost individuals for the drone to attempt to locate. The exercise also allowed us to train with our new E-bikes and Mule to locate and transport casualties.
E-bike transporting our mule to the location of the casualty.
Loading a casualty onto the Mule.
Thanks to CASARA for the opportunity to work on interoperability with other Search and Rescue Organizations as well a practice our ability our evacuation capabilities.
Brandon Regional Search and Rescue Association 