Pictou East MLA Karla MacFarlane has reintroduced a bill that would see active volunteer members of the Canadian Coast Guard Auxiliary exempted from vehicle registration fees along with license plate and driver’s license fees.
“These brave volunteers are always ready to assist the Coast Guard in search and rescue operations across the province,” says MacFarlane. “It is an honour to recognize their service with the exemption of these motor vehicle fees.”
The legislation was previously introduced in April, 2016 but was not passed before the McNeil Liberals prorogued the legislature in October, resetting the slate of legislation. At the time, the Canadian Coast Guard Auxiliary – Maritimes Manager Darcy Henn said the exemption would be welcomed by the non-profit organization.
“These individuals who go out are all volunteers and in this day and age, it’s tough to attract and retain good volunteers,” says Henn. “They join because they support the mission of the auxiliary to save lives on the water, but these vehicle fee exemptions will help us attract and retain volunteers.”
Founded in 1978, auxiliary members from coast to coast have participated in 50,000 missions and saved 4,000 lives. The Canadian Coast Guard Auxiliary’s 470 vessels in the Maritimes support the Coast Guard for search and rescue operations and look after 30 per cent of calls.
Karla’s Facebook post on the legislation earlier this year:
Exempt active volunteers from paying fees under the Motor Vehicle Act
HALIFAX, NS – Progressive Conservative MLA Karla…
Posted by Karla MacFarlane – Pictou West on Friday, April 15, 2016