FederalBill C-204First Reading
Bill C-204: An Act to amend the Income Tax Act (volunteer firefighting and search and rescue volunteer tax credit)
Sponsor: Gord JohnsIntroduced June 4, 2025Last checked August 28, 2026
Read the official text on parl.caOfficial version — LEGISinfo, Parliament of Canada
What this bill does
This bill increases the federal tax credit for volunteer firefighters and search and rescue volunteers from $3,000 (based on a $6,000 amount multiplied by the lowest tax rate) to $5,000 (based on a $10,000 amount), and broadens the definition of eligible volunteer firefighting services to include being available or on call for firefighting, emergency services, and non-emergency duties.
Plain-language summary by Legisail.
Business impact
Tax
This bill primarily affects individuals who volunteer as firefighters or search and rescue volunteers in rural and smaller communities across Canada, rather than businesses directly. However, small-town employers — such as farms, trades shops, and local businesses — whose employees volunteer with local fire departments or search and rescue teams may find it easier to attract and retain staff in communities that depend on volunteer emergency services. The increased tax credit provides more financial recognition for volunteers who may need to leave work or be on call, potentially reducing turnover pressure for small employers in these areas. Business size is not directly relevant, but the impact is most felt in rural and remote communities where volunteer-based emergency services are the norm.
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Where this bill is
First ReadingJune 4, 2025
Next: Second Reading debate
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