New Act to Recognize Volunteer Fire Services' Contribution

TRANSPORTATION/PUBLIC WORKS--New Act to Recognize Volunteer Fire Services' Contribution

Legislation that formally recognizes the contribution of volunteer firefighters and volunteer fire departments across Nova Scotia has been introduced in the House of Assembly by Deputy Premier Ron Russell.

"Each year, hundreds of individuals in dozens of Nova Scotia communities give generously and tirelessly of their time, labour and talents to prevent and fight fires and to perform other emergency duties," said Mr. Russell. "All Nova Scotians benefit from these volunteer services, and it is time these volunteers were recognized in a formal way. This bill does just that."

Titled An Act to Recognize Volunteer Firefighters and to Protect Volunteer Fire Departments, the bill authorizes cabinet to designate one day each October as Volunteer Fire Service Recognition Day.

Second, it provides for an accidental death benefit payment of $100,000 to the family or estate of a volunteer firefighter who is killed in the line of duty.

The act also provides volunteer fire departments with some protection from seizure of material or financial assets in claims for damages. Unless a volunteer firefighter is negligent or commits an offence in carrying out their responsibilities, their department's assets cannot be seized to satisfy a damage claim.

"Volunteer fire departments and their members are the heart and soul of many Nova Scotia communities and our government is proud to recognize and support them in this manner," said Mr. Russell.

The province has been recognizing the contribution of volunteer firefighters since Dec. 1999 by waiving vehicle registration fees and providing special licence plates.