Dear Constituent,

Recently, I received a letter from you requesting a tax credit for volunteer firefighters.  Today I am pleased to report that we have listened and responded by including the Volunteer Firefighter Tax Credit, to allow eligible volunteer firefighters to claim a 15% non-refundable tax credit based on an amount of $3,000, as part of our Conservative Government's 2011 Budget.

However, as you may have heard, the opposition coalition has said that they will oppose the firefighter tax credit and the budget.  If they are successful in defeating the budget and force an election that Canadians do not want, it will not be possible for us to provide this important measure for volunteer firefighters.

I will do everything I can in the coming days to change their minds.

This action just goes to show that our government listens to the ideas and needs of Canadians, and truly values the time and dedication of the brave men and women who put their lives on the line to keep our rural communities safe.

Thank you for taking the time to make known your support for volunteer firefighters.

Sincerely,

Bev Shipley, MP
Lambton-Kent-Middlesex