Firefighter tax break promised by Liberals

Liberal Leader Robert Ghiz hopped into a fire truck Tuesday in New Glasgow — a perfect photo-op for his announcement of a tax break for Island firefighters.

Ghiz said if re-elected, he'll provide the thousand or so volunteer firefighters in the province a $500 annual provincial tax credit, at a cost of about $500,000.

He said he considered expanding the tax credit to any Islander who volunteers for any organization.

"You know, there was debate on whether or not you cover off all volunteers, but there is something about volunteerism that you are a volunteer," said Ghiz. "But when it comes to firefighters, especially in our rural area communities where we don't have large tax bases to provide paid support, that it's extremely important."

Ghiz plans to have the credit in place in time for next year's provincial budget.