Tax credit offered for volunteer searchers, firefighters mike.dejong.mla@leg.bc.ca

by Tom Fletcher - BC Local News North Vancouver BC posted Feb 11, 2017 at 11:00 AM
The BC Liberal government is adding a provincial tax credit to its pre-election budget for volunteer firefighters and search and rescue members, worth up to $150 a year. Volunteers who put in 200 hours a year for search and rescue, firefighting or both would be eligible for the tax credit, starting this year. Combined with a federal tax credit, volunteers would receive about $600 a year in tax breaks for their efforts. "These local heroes leave the comfort of home to rush out into often dangerous and unpredictable conditions, in every type of environment, to provide a beacon of hope to both those lost and to the families waiting at home," said Naomi Yamamoto, minister of state for emergency preparedness, making the announcement in North Vancouver Saturday. Bob Stevens, president of the Volunteer Firefighters Association of B.C., said the tax credit is welcome recognition for people who in many cases receive no compensation for their effort and personal expense. "Many small communities in B.C. rely heavily on volunteer firefighters and search and rescue groups to provide protection and assistance in times of need," Stevens said. Yamamoto said in an interview the tax credit will cost the province about $1 million a year, in addition to the $5 million a year currently provided for training and materials and $9 million in the current fiscal year to compensate volunteer organizations for fuel, helicopters and other expenses. The B.C. Search and Rescue Association has 2,500 volunteers in 80 groups in the province. The Volunteer Firefighters Association of B.C. has 177 active volunteer fire departments with about 4,500 volunteer members. The B.C. government is set to unveil a monument to search and rescue volunteers on the grounds of the B.C. legislature on March 2.
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Don Quixote Note: My input to the Provincial budget in January 2017. (1 positive response re Provincial Tax credit for 2 of the3 First Responders Volunteers.
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Date: January 15, 2017 at 8:21:51 AM PST
To: citizenengagement@gov.bc.ca,  cc mike.dejong.mla@leg.bc.ca

RE upcoming Budget:

1. The Volunteer Fire personnel (2011) and the Volunteers at Search and Rescue (2014) get a tax credit from the Federal Government. The Police auxiliary volunteers do not so far. (expecting a response in upcoming budget in reaction to petition E-29 https://petitions.parl.gc.ca/en/Petition/Details?Petition=e-29)

Will your government consider a Provincial tax credit for all 3 of these Volunteer First Responders group ?

2. Will the Carbon tax be removed from Cremations done in the Province of B.C. ?? (Recognize that unlike other provinces within this country that do charge HST or a Prov. Sales tax, B.C. does not Charge PST on Cremations). However beside the carbon tax on the Cremations the feds charge their 5% GST on the Carbon Tax. (Tax on a tax)

3. Since Carbon Tax was introduced in B.C. in 2008 the GST has been charged the Carbon Tax. Estimates based on the $ 1.271 billion in estimated Carbon Tax for 2016/17 in B.C. the Feds are ripping off $63.55 million in GST from our Revenue Neutral Carbon Tax Program. (Total Estimated Carbon Tax Revenue Recycling 2008-2015 Carbon tax revenue: $7.3 billion - GSt on this would be $365 million)

http://www.cbc.ca/news/politics/canada-trudeau-climate-change-1.3788825
"Whatever model a province chooses, Trudeau said, it will be revenue neutral for the federal government, with any revenues generated under the system staying in the province or territory where they are generated.”

In view of this statement from the Prime Minister will the Province seek to have the GST removed from the Carbon Tax immediately??

RCMP revamp auxiliary program

by Roger Knox - Vernon Morning Star Vernon posted Jan 23, 2017 at 6:00 AM
A revised RCMP auxiliary police program is being introduced, that will, in some cases, allow the volunteer officers to resume general duty patrols and ride-alongs. Their uniforms will be altered to underline their volunteer status. The new three-tier system comes after auxiliary duties were sharply restricted following a year-long review of the fatal January 2015 shooting of RCMP Const. David Wynn at a casino outside Edmonton and the wounding of Auxiliary Const. David Bond. Tier one will see RCMP auxiliaries participate in community policing services, such as public safety education and crime prevention initiatives, under general supervision. They will not be given peace officer status. Tier two auxiliaries may conduct foot and bicycle patrols, crowd and traffic control duties, training support and delivery, disaster assistance and search and rescue operations assistance. While tier two auxiliaries will have peace officer status where provincial and territorial legislation permits, they won’t go on general duty patrols (ride-alongs) and will be under the direct supervision of a regular member of the RCMP. Tier three auxiliaries will carry out the duties of tier one and tier two officers, plus the addition of general duty patrols and check stops.“These changes have been made based on evidence and extensive, thoughtful consultation,” said RCMP Deputy Comm. Kevin Brosseau, contract and aboriginal policing. “I am confident they will improve the program, and contribute to the safety of our auxiliaries, our police officers and the public we serve.”The force said new mandatory national training standards will be developed for all three tiers in the coming months.

The Vernon-North Okanagan RCMP detachment welcomed the news. “There is still significant work to be completed over the next few months as we finalize the training standards and develop the required programs,” said Vernon-North Okanagan RCMP spokesperson Jocelyn Noseworthy. “We truly value the commitment, dedication and work done by our Auxiliaries and look forward to completion of this process.” Uniform options have yet to be finalized, but will include “high visibility garments” with the word “volunteer.” Among the requirements, applicants must be at least 19 years old and a Canadian citizen with at least a high school diploma.
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http://www.rcmp.gc.ca/en/news/2016/22/rcmp-auxiliary-program
http://www.rcmp-grc.gc.ca/ccaps-spcca/auxil-eng.htm

New rules for RCMP auxiliaries

by - Langley Times B.C. posted Jan 11, 2017 at 4:00 PM— updated Jan 12, 2017 at 12:55 PM
A revised RCMP auxiliary police program is being introduced, that will, in some cases, allow the volunteer officers to resume general duty patrols and ride-alongs. Their uniforms will be altered to underline their volunteer status. The new three-tier system comes after auxiliary duties were sharply restricted following a year-long review of the fatal January 2015 shooting of RCMP Constable David Wynn at a casino outside Edmonton and the wounding of Auxiliary Constable David Bond.

Tier 1 will see RCMP auxiliaries participate in community policing services, such as public safety education and crime prevention initiatives, under general supervision. Tier 1 Auxiliaries will not be given peace officer status.

Tier 2 auxiliaries may conduct foot and bicycle patrols, crowd and traffic control duties, training support and delivery, disaster assistance and search and rescue operations assistance.While Tier 2 auxiliaries will have peace officer status where provincial and territorial legislation permits, they won't go on general duty patrols (ride-a-longs) and will be under the direct supervision of a regular member of the RCMP.

Tier 3 auxiliaries will carry out the duties of Tier 1 and Tier 2 officers, plus the addition of general duty patrols and check stops.

"These changes have been made based on evidence and extensive, thoughtful consultation," said RCMP Deputy Commissioner Kevin Brosseau, Contract and Aboriginal Policing. "I am confident they will improve the program, and contribute to the safety of our Auxiliaries, our police officers and the public we serve." The force said new mandatory national training standards will be developed for all three tiers in the coming months. Uniform options have yet to be finalized, but will include "high visibility garments" with the word "volunteer." Among the requirements, applicants most be at least 19 years old, a Canadian citizen with at least a high school diploma.
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Press Release: http://www.rcmp.gc.ca/en/news/2016/22/rcmp-auxiliary-program
http://www.rcmp-grc.gc.ca/ccaps-spcca/auxil-eng.htm

Council Seeks Return of Auxiliary Cop Duties

Posted on 10/26/2016 6:04 AM by Pete McIntyre 107.5 KISSFM
Vernon council would like to see auxiliary RCMP officers play a larger role in policing. The RCMP, through the Union of BC Municipalities, is asking cities which of three options they would like for the program after stripping the volunteers of many of their duties earlier this year. Mayor Akbal Mund says council choose option 3, which would allow the officers to be used for general duties including check stops, basically what they used to do. "It would be more duties than what we've got now which is nothing basically. They have to join the Safe Communities, which most of them have done, rather than being known as an auxiliary policeman," Mund tells Kiss FM. Council says option 3 offers the most comprehensive, cost-effective program, with enhanced safety. Council also says it would be the most similar to the program that was previously in place and would be beneficial to assisting the RCMP. The RCMP is looking to hear from all municipalities by November 1. There are currently about 700 active auxiliary constables in 67 RCMP detachments in BC.

Kamloops top cop wants robust auxiliary constable program

By Brendan Kergin InfoNews.ca October 19, 2016 - 10:30 AM
KAMLOOPS - Kamloops RCMP are weighing in on the auxiliary constable program debate.The local detachment will be sending a report to the RCMP’s top brass with their thoughts on what Kamloops needs as far as their auxiliary constables go. Supt. Brad Mueller says Kamloops RCMP have three options to look at and plan to go with the most robust.“Our recommendation will be going with the tier three proposal,” he says. “Which will be very, very similar to the way the auxiliary program ran prior to the most recent announcements.” Nationwide the RCMP auxiliary constable program was restricted earlier this year after one of the programs volunteers was shot in Alberta in January 2015. Since then the RCMP have been reviewing the program.

The three tier system being discussed in Kamloops ranges from tier one, which is very basic and doesn’t include uniforms for the auxiliary constable, to tier three, which will be similar to what happened before the RCMP restricted Mueller says. It would include more training, more complex activities and uniforms for the auxiliary constables.

“Currently we have about 30 that are active,” he says. “They provide a valuable service to us and we couldn’t deliver on all the service programs that we do with out them. “It’s a very essential program here in Kamloops.”The response to RCMP leadership will be sent in before Nov. 1.

RCMP Auxiliary Program to be endorsed at UBCM?

http://www.ubcm.ca/assets/
Resolutions~and~Policy/Resolutions/2016_UBCM_Resolutions.pdf (p.25)

Hope for RCMP tax credit

by Kate Bouey - CASTANET  Aug 18, 2016 / 10:29 am 
Vernon city councillor Bob Spiers' effort to win a tax credit for auxiliary RCMP constables still has some life in it. Spiers started an e-petition last year calling for the auxiliary constables to be given the same tax credit as other volunteer first responders. It was tabled in the Commons in May by North Okanagan Shuswap MP Mel Arnold. “The government recognizes the contributions of all volunteers and the important roles they play in their communities,” says a government response to the e-petition. “In light of this, reasonable out-of-pocket expenses incurred by volunteers in the course of their duties may generally be reimbursed on a non-taxable basis.” The federal government also promises a “review of federal tax expenditures in the coming year to ensure that they are fair, efficient and fiscally responsible.” “I interpret the government's response as – that they may review the possibility of extending the credit in their next budget for 2017,” Spiers says. “Not what I wanted but still a glimmer of hope.” A total of 783 people signed the e-petition, mostly from B.C. and Ontario.
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http://www.parl.gc.ca/Content/HOC/ePetitions/Responses/421/e-29/421-00314_FIN_E.pdf
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Auxiliary tax credit reviewed
by Richard Rolke - Vernon Morning Star posted Aug 18, 2016 at 2:00 PM
Attempts to have all emergency personnel treated equally haven’t been dashed. Bob Spiers, Vernon councillor, has been told by the federal government that his petition to have auxiliary police officers receive a tax benefit will be reviewed as part of federal tax expenditures. “I was hoping they would say they would put it into their fiscal update in the fall,” he said. “I will look at the bright side of things. They haven’t rejected it and will hopefully consider it in their (2017) budget talks.” The petition applies to all RCMP, provincial and municipal auxiliary police officers. A tax credit for volunteer firefighters has been in place since 2011 and since 2014 for volunteer search and rescue members.

Under House of Commons rules, a public petition attracting more than 500 signatures can be presented to MPs for consideration. In May, North Okanagan-Shuswap MP Mel Arnold presented Spiers’ petition to his colleagues. Spiers isn’t speculating on how the Liberal government will ultimately handle the request for an auxiliary police tax credit. “Hopefully the people looking at it will seriously consider it,” he said. “It was well supported by our MP and a lot of other people.”

Government Response to Auxilliary Constable tax credit now tabled in Hose of Commons.

This is to inform you that a government response to petition e-29, which you have submitted on the e-petitions website of the House of Commons, has been tabled in the House. 

Original Petition:
Petition to the Government of Canada
Whereas:
The previous government instituted a tax credit for Volunteer Firemen in 2011 and a similar tax treatment for Volunteer Search and Rescue in 2014; and
An Auxiliary Constable is an unarmed, unpaid, uniformed RCMP volunteer whose activities are governed under provincial legislation.
We, the undersigned, Citizens of Canada, request (or call upon) the Government of Canada to extend a tax credit to Auxiliary Police Officers similar to that already given to Volunteer FireFighters and Search and Rescue volunteers.



http://www.parl.gc.ca/Content/HOC/ePetitions/Responses/421/e-29/421-00314_FIN_E.pdf

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Don Quixote Note:
https://petitions.parl.gc.ca/en/Petition/Responses
At the above link is a total of 11 responses to petitions. The last 8 were responses tabled Aug 17,2016 in Parliament.

This is to inform you that a government response to petition e-29 initiated by bob spiers on the e-petitions website of the House of Commons, which you have supported, has been tabled in the House. You can consult the response on the e-petition webpage by clicking here.

My Response:

I interpret the Government's response is that they may review the possibility of extending the credit in their next budget for 2017. Not what I wanted but still a glimmer of hope.

This morning Aug 18 I E-mailed the Finance Minister as follows:

I will take from your reply that this tax credit for Auxiliary Police (RCMP. Provincial and Municipal)  will be considered in your review of federal tax expenditures and it may be included in the next budget??

I have copied some other interested ministers and my Local M.P. Mel Arnold who sponsored this petition and hope they will support this measure being part of the 2017 budget.

Thank you in advance for your attention to this matter. These VOLUNTEER first responders should have the same tax credit as that provided for  Volunteer FireFighters and Search and Rescue volunteers.

Police Petition Waiting For Response 00

Posted on 8/2/2016 6:00 AM by Pete McIntyre 1075 KISFM

The federal government may respond this fall to a Vernon based petition calling for auxiliary police officers to get a tax credit. North Okanagan Shuswap Conservative MP Mel Arnold tabled a 779 name petition on the issue in the House of Commons back in May. He is not sure if the Liberal government will support the idea. "On these types of things, government usually keeps them quite close to the chest until they are ready to make an announcement." Arnold says the government may issue a response, when parliament resumes September 19th. "I believe we'll get a response in some way, but the response may simply be that we are looking at this issue, but are not moving forward at this time. That is a potential," Arnold tells Kiss FM. Arnold says auxiliary officers put their lives on the line for Canadians, and to not recognize them the same as volunteer fire fighters, would be a shame. The petition was initiated by Vernon city councillor Bob Spiers. Most of the people who signed it were from BC (388), while 284 were from Ontario. The RCMP Auxiliary Constable Program was first introduced in 1963 to enhance community policing and crime prevention initiatives, and there are currently about 1,600 Auxiliary Constables nation-wide.

Prorogation has changed the expected tabling of reply to Sept 19. Auxiliary Police Officers Petition Response expected by July 13,2016.

The Recessing of parliament to Sept. 19 has derailed any hope of a written response being tabled within the 45 calendar days as expressed in the Petition Rules. 


Prorogation
At prorogation (the period of time between two sessions of a Parliament), the e-petitions website remains active and petitioners may continue to submit petitions and gather signatures. However, certified petitions may not be presented in the House until the opening of the new session, and any outstanding government responses to petitions presented in the previous session must be tabled in the new session.
http://www.parl.gc.ca/housechamberbusiness/chambercalendar.aspx?Language=E

Government Responses to Petitions
https://petitions.parl.gc.ca/en/Petition/Responses
The Standing Orders (the rules governing the House of Commons) require the government to respond within 45 calendar days to every petition presented in the House of Commons.

You, the supporters, the signatories, and the sponsor will be notified by e-mail when the response is tabled in the House. A copy will also be found on the e petition website along with the original petition.

In the event that the government fails to respond to a petition within 45 calendar days, the matter of the government’s failure to respond is automatically referred to the standing committee designated by the MP who presented the petition. Within five sitting days of such a referral, the Chair of the committee must convene a meeting to consider the matter.
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https://petitions.parl.gc.ca/en/Petition/Details?Petition=e-29
Petition to the Government of Canada
Whereas:
The previous government instituted a tax credit for Volunteer Firemen in 2011 and a similar tax treatment for Volunteer Search and Rescue in 2014; and
An Auxiliary Constable is an unarmed, unpaid, uniformed RCMP volunteer whose activities are governed under provincial legislation.
We, the undersigned, Citizens of Canada, request (or call upon) the Government of Canada to extend a tax credit to Auxiliary Police Officers similar to that already given to Volunteer FireFighters and Search and Rescue volunteers.
------------
 Petition presented to the House of Commons on May 30, 2016
From and including: Monday, May 30, 2016
To and including: Wednesday, July 13, 2016
Result: 45 days

Auxiliary Police Petition Before MP's

Posted on 5/30/2016 1:16 PM by Pete McIntyre 107.5 KISSFM

M.P. Mel Arnold presents Auxiliary Police Petition in House of Commons Monday May 30, 2016 

The MP for North Okanagan Shuswap says he hopes the federal government moves forward on a a tax credit for auxiliary police officers. Mel Arnold tabled the 779 name document -- initiated by Vernon city councillor Bob Spiers -- in the House of Commons today. Spiers is seeking similar tax credits to those given to other volunteer first responders, such as firefighters (approved in 2011) and search and rescue members (2014). “I am happy I could collaborate with MP Arnold who sponsored and presented this petition to Parliament,” says Spiers. “I am hopeful that the federal government’s response will be positive and that all Canadian auxiliary police -- whether municipal, provincial or RCMP -- will get the same tax credit as other first responders, namely volunteer fire fighters and search and rescue volunteers.” Spiers says the government has 45 days to respond in writing. Arnold thanks Spiers for his advocacy on behalf of auxiliary police. "I hope the federal government moves forward with establishing this benefit recognizing the valuable contributions of auxiliary police officers that make our communities safer and better places to live.” The Royal Canadian Mounted Police Auxiliary Constable Program started in 1963 and currently uses 1,600 volunteer Auxiliary Constables in communities across Canada. "Auxiliary Constables contribute to community-based policing by engaging in community events and also providing support to the general duties of RCMP Regular Members," says a release from the MP.
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also see http://infotel.ca/newsitem/federal-government-asked-to-grant-auxiliary-police-a-tax-break-for-their-service/it31165

Auxiliary RCMP Petition in Ottawa

Posted on 5/13/2016 7:27 AM by Ron Manz 107.5 KISSFM
A petition Vernon councillor Bob Spiers started to have auxiliary RCMP constables given the same tax credit as other volunteer first responders is expected to be presented in Parliament soon. 783 people across Canada signed the petition meaning it passed the 500 needed to be valid. His petition was validated in Parliament May 8th...and he's hoping either local MP Mel Arnold or the Parliamentary Clerk will present it to the House of Commons any day now. "I think that will happen within 10 days either by the member who sponsored it rising in parliament and presenting it or it will be back-doored in by the Parliamentary Clerk after so many days. Then the government will have 45 calander days to respond to it." Spiers says he remains positive it will become law....but says it may be too late. "I wish we had got something like this two or three years ago when the local RCMP auxiliary police was in a better state to keep on going. It would have benefitted a lot more people." Spiers says despite the reduced role of auxiliary constables in the RCMP it still applies to other forces and could help them. "Now there's a lot of auxiliary members in a lot of other police forces, municipal and provincial that it would benefit. Hopefully they will get it and maybe the auxiliary police mandate in the RCMP will change over the next few years and get back to where they were before." Spiers says the reduced role and authority of RCMP auxiliary means many volunteers are not re-signing.
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AUXILIARY CONSTABLES: (P.167)
 The RCMP Auxiliary Constable Program is undergoing change to ensure the safety of the
volunteers. The auxiliary constables provide countless hours of dedicated service to our
community and the RCMP wants to ensure they are not exposed to the same risks as regular
members. In January the ride-along portion of the program was removed and a review is
underway in Ottawa to define the duties, training standards and uniform. As a result of the
changes the new class of Vernon/North Okanagan Auxiliary Constable’s training was placed on
hold pending direction from National Headquarters.

Petition for cop equality !!

 Kate Bouey - CASTANET May 7, 2016 / 5:00 am 
A petition started in Vernon calling for auxiliary RCMP constables to be given the same tax credit as other volunteer first responders will be presented to Parliament. City Coun. Bob Spiers won the support of North Okanagan Shuswap MP Mel Arnold in his efforts to have all volunteer first responders treated equally. As of Friday, the e-petition had 783 signatures. It closes on Saturday. “I think we would have had a heck of a lot more signatures if the auxiliary program wasn't limping along,” said Spiers. “It's almost too little, too late,” he admitted, adding that he hoped his efforts would help other auxiliary police forces if the tax credit is implemented. In January, the RCMP informed detachments that the auxiliary program was under review, halting all ride-alongs and arms training for the volunteers due to safety concerns and throwing the future of program into doubt. The changes followed the January 2015 shooting in Alberta that left an RCMP officr dead and an auxiliary constable injured. “The government will be obligated to reply (to the petition). That's the next step,” said Spiers. “We'll see what happens.”
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Last day to sign the Petition. Closed for signature : May 7, 2016, at 3:46 p.m. (EDT)
Next Steps in Petition Proceedings:
A Member who has sponsored an e-petition will normally present it in the House as well, but is not obliged to and may ask another colleague to do so. A Member may be asked to present a petition even if he or she does not represent the petitioner’s electoral district.

There are two options available to Members for presenting petitions:
1) Presentation in the House (“front door”)
2) Filing with the Clerk of the House (“back door”)

Government Responses to Petitions

The Standing Orders of the House of Commons require the government to respond within 45 calendar days to every petition presented to the House.
Once the government’s response is tabled in the House, it becomes a sessional paper and is recorded in the Journals, and is added to the e-petitions website. A copy is sent to the sponsoring Member, as well as the petitioner, the supporters, and the signatories.
===========
AUXILIARY CONSTABLES:  (P.167)
 The RCMP Auxiliary Constable Program is undergoing change to ensure the safety of the
volunteers. The auxiliary constables provide countless hours of dedicated service to our
community and the RCMP wants to ensure they are not exposed to the same risks as regular
members. In January the ride-along portion of the program was removed and a review is
underway in Ottawa to define the duties, training standards and uniform. As a result of the
changes the new class of Vernon/North Okanagan Auxiliary Constable’s training was placed on
hold pending direction from National Headquarters.

Enderby auxiliary police program uncertain

by Richard Rolke - Vernon Morning Star posted May 3, 2016 at 1:00 PM

Potential changes to auxiliary police officers have communities determining the impact. The RCMP are reviewing the national auxiliary program and the provincial government is also seeking input from municipalities. “We’re waiting to hear where it will go,” said Greg McCune, Enderby mayor. “If there is no service, it will definitely impact the community, but I understand the other side, the world is changing (security/liability).” In January, the RCMP’s senior executive committee decided that auxiliaries would no longer ride along with regular officers. Enderby’s lone auxiliary constable has not participated in ride-alongs for years but there is a concern that the new policy could prevent others from being in a police car if they volunteer. The primary impact in Enderby has been a new policy that requires auxiliary constables in uniform to be under the supervision of a regular officer.
“This limits the kinds of activities and functions that an auxiliary officer may perform as it is dependent on the availability of regular members to accompany the auxiliary constable,” said Tate Bengtson, chief administrative officer, in a memo to council. “This is detrimental to community programs which promote public health and safety and deprives the RCMP of a valuable resource which can engage with residents and businesses at community and school functions. Two of the RCMP’s strategic priorities involve youth and road safety. Both of these priorities are advanced through the work and dedication of auxiliary constables in conjunction with regular members.” Enderby council has recognized Dale Fennell, who has been with the auxiliary constable program for 33 years. “It was a totally unpaid position. It was quite a commitment on his part,” said McCune, adding that Fennell was unanimously presented with a lifetime civic merit award by council. Among his duties were enforcement, patrols, Speed Watch and delivering safety and conflict resolution programs at local schools. “Dale is a dedicated and deserving member of our community who has volunteered so much of his time over the last 33 years to the auxiliary constable program. He truly is a local hero.”

Out of touch

LETTERS TO THE EDITOR posted Apr 22, 2016 at 1:00 AM
After reading the article "Auxiliary Petition proves popular," I am disgusted by how out of touch Vernon Coun. Bob Spiers, MP Mel Arnold and The Morning Star are on the RCMP Auxiliary Constable program. There is no need for a tax benefit since the program ‎has been all but officially cancelled across Canada. The real issue you should be focusing on is getting auxiliary boots back on the beat and supporting our regular members and our communities as a whole. Do you not read the news?
Warren Smith, Vernon
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Don Quixote Note:
I managed to get a Vernon Council Motion to address this tax credit for ALL auxiliary officers in 2014. A letter of support was sent out under Mayor Rob Sawatsky's signature to the Federal Government of the Right Honourable S. Harper. (No result)   Spiers lobbied candidates in the last federal election to recognize auxiliary officers with a tax credit, and now he is taking advantage of a new government initiative that allows Canadians to develop petitions that could lead to policy change if there is sufficient support. Other police forces employ auxiliary constables as well, and Spiers wants to see them get the tax break as well. 

Vernon Council in 2016 also passed that motion and letters of support were sent to the current Prime Minister under the current Mayor's signature. 

Unfortunately the timing of this petition initiative method was at the same time the RCMP was restructuring the Auxiliary Constable program. I agree with Mr Smith that the Auxilliary Program has been changed so that the boots on the beat accompanying RCMP members will no longer be a part of these Volunteers job description. Hopefully this will change in the future.

This petition applies to all Auxiliary Police across the country. (Municipal and Provincial and Territory) and I urge everyone to sign it. https://petitions.parl.gc.ca/en/Petition/Details?Petition=e-29

EDITORIAL: Auxiliary officers play a key role

posted Mar 25, 2016 at 1:00 AM Vernon Morning Star
The decision in January by the RCMP to limit the duties of auxiliary constables will have a ripple effect in communities. Under the new guidelines, auxiliaries will no longer be able to accompany regular officers on ridealongs, or do traffic duty or crowd control, among other restrictions. The decision, spurred in part by tragic events in Ottawa and Alberta last year, reinforces the RCMP’s commitment to maintaining the safety of volunteers in community policing programs, which is admirable. The changes are undoubtedly the most significant since the RCMP decided in 1998 that auxiliaries would no longer carry firearms. While it may not reduce the RCMP’s visibility, especially with regard to traffic and crowd control, it will definitely increase the cost of policing for public events.

Policing of local events generally includes a large contingent of auxiliary officers. The costs will rise exponentially if those duties are performed by regular members. Only about one in three applicants get appointed as auxiliary constables under the Provincial Police Act. The commitment is steep, involving about 180 hours of training, and successful candidates are responsible for a minimum of 160 hours of service a year. Candidates are a blend of men and women who see the experience as an asset to pursuing a career in policing, and those who want to serve the communities they live in. They are well versed in the risks the work entails, and volunteer mainly for the rewards involved in serving the community. The fear is that the changes will discourage people from signing on, especially in B.C., which has the largest number of auxiliaries in the country. The changes, although arguably right-minded, may mark the beginning of the end of the program’s long-term future.
============

As this petition applies to all provincial, municipal and RCMP officers please consider signing the petition below. (until May 6)

To sign petition go to:

https://petitions.parl.gc.ca/en/Petition/Details?Petition=e-29

Petition to the Government of Canada
Whereas:
The previous government instituted a tax credit

for Volunteer Firemen in 2011 and a similar tax

treatment for Volunteer Search and Rescue in 2014;

and
An Auxiliary Constable is an unarmed, unpaid,

uniformed RCMP volunteer whose activities

are governed under provincial legislation.
We, the undersigned, Citizens of Canada, request

(or call upon) the Government of Canada to extend

a tax credit to Auxiliary Police Officers similar to

that already given to Volunteer FireFighters

and Search and Rescue volunteers.

RCMP told to follow rules

The Canadian Press - CASTANET Mar 6, 2016 / 8:16 am
A workplace investigation that followed the shooting of two Mounties in Alberta last year says the RCMP contravened Canada Labour Code health and safety rules. Const. David Wynn and auxiliary Const. Derek Bond were shot on Jan. 17, 2015, during a struggle with a suspected car thief in a St. Albert casino, just north of Edmonton. Wynn died a few days later. A review of the St. Albert RCMP detachment by federal Labour Department investigators says the portable radios assigned to Wynn and Bond failed to transmit and receive inside the casino and that a radio in a police cruiser could not transmit or receive from the officers. The investigation also found that the RCMP did not have safe alternative communication procedures for situations where radios are known to fail or not transmit or receive messages clearly. It also determined that Bond's actions that day appear to have exceeded the expected duties of an auxiliary RCMP officer. Last October, Bradley Tetarenko, a health and safety officer, issued a "direction" to the RCMP to fix the contraventions by Nov. 13, 2015, and to ensure that they don't happen again. "The said official delegated by the Minister of Labour is of the opinion that the following provisions of the Canada Labour Code have been contravened," reads the order obtained by The Canadian Press from Occupational Health and Safety Tribunal Canada. The direction document orders the RCMP to ensure that equipment used by employees is safe under all conditions of its intended use. It also directs the RCMP to identify, assess and take measures to prevent hazards associated with its communications system.

The order also deals with auxiliary constables. It calls on the RCMP to ensure that activities of every person granted access to a workplace do not endanger their health and safety. "(The) employer shall identify and assess the hazards associated with the activities of the auxiliary constables ... and take steps to ensure the activities of the auxiliary officers do not create a hazard for themselves or RCMP members." The direction order was sent in October to Deputy Commissioner Marianne Ryan, commanding officer of RCMP in Alberta. A month later the RCMP filed an appeal of the direction, which has not yet been heard. RCMP national headquarters staff declined to comment on the appeal.

Staff-Sgt. Julie Gagnon said the RCMP on Jan. 16 approved changes to the auxiliary constable program after conferring with provinces, territories and municipalities. The changes include no longer allowing auxiliary constables to go on ride-alongs with Mounties or to take firearms familiarization training. The RCMP is also working on a new national training standard and policy for auxiliary constables, she said in an email from Ottawa. The RCMP website says auxiliary constables are unarmed, unpaid, uniformed volunteers that participate in community events, school crime prevention, traffic control, ground patrols, search and rescue and parades.

There are about 1,600 auxiliary constables across Canada.

Auxilary Cop Tax Credit Petition Over 600 Names

Posted on 2/15/2016 by Ron Manz 107.5 KISSFM
An online petition supporting a tax credit for auxiliary police officers has reached 663 signatures as of today (Monday). The initiative, brought about by Vernon Councillor Bob Spiers, has only been active for a month. Spiers says volunteer firemen and search and rescue personnel benefit from this tax break and he feels auxiliary police officers also deserve it. The new Liberal government opened the door by implementing a new E-petition concept Spiers has taken advantage of. "Anyone could go on and petition the government and the government would be responsible to make sure it got heard in the House of Commons. It's another way of bringing it in front of them, and hopefully with a new government I was hoping to get a better response." Spiers points out his petition is designed to give all auxiliary police and not only those with the RCMP a break. "It also applies to any auxiliary policemen. It's not only the RCMP ones we're talking about, but any of the municipal auxiliaries, the provincial auxiliaries that are in the same category, in uniform unpaid volunteers." Spiers says the tax credit would be one way of thanking these volunteers for the time the put in with all police departments Canada-wide.

The petition is open for signatures until May 7th. Here is the link.

https://petitions.parl.gc.ca/en/Petition/Details?Petition=e-29

Petition to the Government of Canada

Whereas:

• The previous government instituted a tax credit for Volunteer Firemen in 2011 and a similar tax treatment for Volunteer Search and Rescue in 2014; and
• An Auxiliary Constable is an unarmed, unpaid, uniformed RCMP volunteer whose activities are governed under provincial legislation.

We, the undersigned, Citizens of Canada, request (or call upon) the Government of Canada to extend a tax credit to Auxiliary Police Officers similar to that already given to Volunteer FireFighters and Search and Rescue volunteers.

Liability costs a high price for RCMP auxiliary ride alongs: Former Kamloops RCMP member

January 29, 2016 - 6:30 PM By Glynn Brothen InfoNews.CA
KAMLOOPS - After RCMP decided to put the brakes on auxiliary officer ride alongs this week, a former Kamloops Mountie says the decision will curb future liability headaches for the national police force. According to a memo obtained by Postmedia, changes to the RCMP auxiliary constable program will put a halt to ride alongs and create new uniforms distinguishing them from serving members. Rob Creasser, a former member of the Kamloops RCMP detachment and spokesperson for the Mounted Police Professional Association of Canada, says he remembers when auxiliary officers were armed and active participants in the crime-fighting process. “It’s always better to have two sets of eyes instead of just one. The presence of a second body can diffuse potential for violence,” Creasser says. But when auxiliaries were stripped of their firearms in the early 1990s, that's when the program changed. He says ride alongs were supposed to be solely opportunities for the volunteers to observe and report, but their role remained active instead. “A ride along is different than an auxiliary acting as a backup officer,” Creasser says. “They’re not supposed to take any enforcement action at all." Creasser says he only recently learned that fact and notes he was never made aware of the liabilities he could have faced if a volunteer was injured under his watch as an officer. "I didn’t know that. I was still taking auxiliaries out when they were armed and (again) when they became unarmed. I didn’t know they were supposed to be simply observing. I had a lot of time for them and assisting me in my role as a police officer, not knowing that if something went south, I was going to be in trouble,” he says. The auxiliary program went under review after Auxiliary Const. Derek Walter Bond was injured in a shootout at a casino in St. Albert, January 2015. The officer he was accompanying that night, Const. David Wynn, died from a gunshot wound to the head. "I understand why they’re scaling back to perform simply community policing initiatives,” Creasser says. “It’s all about liability.” The program will be still be available for volunteers, however the role is reduced to strictly community policing. For Kamloops that could mean taking part in educational initiatives like the DARE drug eduction program or directing traffic during local events. The change will be safer for volunteers, but Creasser feels some may choose to leave the program after losing the one-on-one experience. He adds those interested in a career in law enforcement benefit from that perspective. “I’ve seen some comments from auxiliaries and they’re very angry about what’s taking place. I would not be surprised to see many long-serving auxiliary officers saying 'I don’t want to do those types of initiatives,'” he says. Creasser says a loss of a second person in the car could also have an impact. A jury at a coroner’s inquest recommended Mounties ride together after a incident Creasser experienced 25 years ago when a man threatened him with a gun before killing himself.“The RCMP is one of the few police forces where you see single person cars,” he says. A spokesperson for Kamloops RCMP was unavailable for comment.
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See also http://www.cbc.ca/news/canada/edmonton/auxiliary-rcmp-officers-no-longer-allowed-in-police-cars-1.3422538

http://www.calgarysun.com/2016/01/26/rcmp-auxiliary-officers-furious-with-proposed-changes

http://www.comoxvalleyrecord.com/news/366884161.html

Petition open until May 7, 2016

https://petitions.parl.gc.ca/en/Petition/Details?Petition=e-29

As of this morning we have reached the 500 signature mark that guarantees that our local M.P. Mel Arnold will present this petition in Parliament sometime after the deadline for signatures which is  May 7, 2016, at 3:46 p.m. (EDT).

Please consider signing this petition and passing on the link to your friends and contacts.  (Maybe your spouse and children will also consider this petition ?) (other province contacts??)

The more signatures the more likely that this matter will be resolved.


Petition to the Government of Canada
Whereas:
The previous government instituted a tax credit for Volunteer Firemen in 2011 and a similar tax treatment for Volunteer Search and Rescue in 2014; and An Auxiliary Constable is an unarmed, unpaid, uniformed RCMP volunteer whose activities are governed under provincial legislation.

We, the undersigned, Citizens of Canada, request (or call upon) the Government of Canada to extend a tax credit to Auxiliary Police Officers similar to that already given to Volunteer FireFighters and Search and Rescue volunteers.

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Signatures (504) 
Status as at 6:00 AM Sun. Jan 17 ,2016
Province / Territory Signatures
Alberta 15 
British Columbia 304
Manitoba 6

New Brunswick 6
Newfoundland and Labrador 2

Northwest Territories 1

Nova Scotia 6
Ontario 156
Quebec 2
Saskatchewan 3
Other Countries 3