After two decades of advocating for funds that would help support the families of public safety officers who have fallen in the line of duty, the IAFF now have their wish….
Members of the International Association of Firefighters were in Ottawa this week for the 24th annual Canadian Legislative Conference, where they applauded Prime Minister Trudeau and Public Safety Minister Ralph Goodale, “First responders, put themselves and their lives on the line, and they deserve to know that their government, their country, and the population they have, stand with them and have their backs.”
Trudeau reconfirmed $80 million in the upcoming budget for 2018-2019, and $20 million thereafter for the Community Heroes Benefit, “It will offer comfort and support to grieving families, and for the first time, we make this compensation benefit available, to all survivors of public safety officers across Canada, no matter where they work.”
PM Trudeau addresses members of @IAFFCanada from the steps of Parliament Hill and thanks them for their work and sacrifice. pic.twitter.com/hejsQbmRf3
— CanadianPM (@CanadianPM) April 11, 2017
Our communities are safer because of the sacrifices Canada’s first responders make every day. Thanks to @IAFFCanada for everything you do. pic.twitter.com/VKmDXhtSKp
— Justin Trudeau (@JustinTrudeau) April 11, 2017
This benefit will be a onetime tax free and direct payment to the surviving family of firefighters, police, paramedics and others public safety members who have died in the line of duty.
