Exempt active volunteers from paying fees under the Motor Vehicle Act
HALIFAX, NS – Progressive Conservative MLA Karla MacFarlane introduced a bill today that recognizes the important work of the Canadian Coast Guard Auxiliary in Nova Scotia.
The Canadian Coast Guard Auxiliary Appreciation Act exempts active volunteer members, in good standing, from vehicle registration fees, license plate issuance fees and driver’s license renewal 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.”
Canadian Coast Guard Auxiliary – Maritimes Manager Darcy Henn says 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.”
Henn also noted the exemption would put the Canadian Coast Guard Auxiliary on par with exemptions offered to the Nova Scotia Ground Search and Rescue Association and volunteer firefighters in the province.
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.
“The local fishermen throughout the province have local knowledge of the areas where they work, which is key to saving lives in hazardous conditions,” says Henn. “Their expertise, experience and commitment to saving lives at sea is worth recognizing through the Canadian Coast Guard Auxiliary Appreciation Act.”