Pressure is growing to recognize those volunteers who put their lives on hold to help others in distress.
Mel Arnold, North Okanagan-Shuswap MP, has introduced a bill seeking to establish a national award medal for Canadian search and rescue volunteers.
“Search and rescue volunteers exemplify Canada’s proud tradition of volunteerism,” he said.
“Canada’s volunteer search and rescue personnel provide invaluable service to Canadian citizens and communities across our nation and this service warrants a national award medal.”
There are currently more than 300 search and rescue teams with more than 12,000 trained volunteers throughout Canada, including the Vernon and Shuswap units.
“There are a myriad of circumstances that require the work of search and rescue personnel across Canada on a regular basis,” said Arnold.
“I believe that establishing this national award medal is one step that Parliament can take to recognize the commitment of Canada’s search and rescue volunteers who give so much to assist others and exemplify the Canadian spirit. ”