The following statement was given today in the House of Assembly by the Honourable Tom Osborne, Minister of Finance and President of Treasury Board

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Mr. Speaker, I rise in this Honourable House today to celebrate and recognize the tireless work of our province’s volunteers. National Volunteer Week runs from April 15 to 21 and is a time to thank volunteers throughout Newfoundland and Labrador for their contributions to our communities.

From the dedicated people who help our seniors to those working to welcome newcomers from other countries, volunteers are essential to the province’s continued social, cultural and economic development.

Some volunteers, including firefighters and search and rescue teams, work in difficult and precarious circumstances, often helping others in what might be their darkest hour.

In Budget 2018, we introduced a Search and Rescue Volunteer Tax Credit that will allow eligible volunteers to claim a $3,000 non-refundable provincial income tax credit starting January 1, 2019. Our government will always seek opportunities to support those who spend their time supporting others.

Mr. Speaker, it is extraordinary that in our busy world so many people are still willing to give freely of their time. Volunteer Week is when we say thank you to those who contribute and to celebrate the value of volunteering. I, along with my Honourable colleagues, thank them for their efforts.

Thank you, Mr. Speaker.