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Due to COVID 19, the Federal Minister of Finance invited submissions with recommendations for Budget 2021 that help the government to hear the best ideas from Canadians and experts across the country about how Budget 2021 can support Canadians through the pandemic and help us build back better.

The CAFC updated its August submission to reflect our learnings during COVID and evolving federal policies.

Our recommendations are the following:

• That the Federal Government install a federal fire advisor to increase a whole of government approach to federal issues impacting fire and life safety.
• That the Federal Government provide adequate emergency operating funds to the municipalities and ensure a portion is earmarked for public safety.
• That the Federal Government ensure eligibility of fire and emergency services for programs like investing in Canada, Gas Tax Fund, Airport Capital Assistance.
• That the Federal Government reinstate a Joint Emergency Preparedness Program and maintain Heavy Urban Search and Rescue funding.
• That the Federal Government modernize the volunteer firefighter tax credit to retain crucial contributions of volunteer, paid on call and part time firefighters.
• That the Federal Government ensure the remaining $3M in earmarked funds for first responder mental health from Budget 2018 is directed to crisis prevention.
• That the Federal Government leverages its initial Road to Mental Health Readiness program investments, ensuring access for all first responders.
• That the Federal Government require housing conditions for temporary foreign workers match those for all Canadians and ensure fire regulations are enforced.
• That the Federal Government advance the public safety broadband network to facilitate emergency communications, rural coverage and economic opportunity.

We welcome and encourage members to share the brief with your federal MP, staff and partners. It is available in both official languages.

Please read our submission here. It has been submitted to the Minister of Finance.