Headline: Canada Announces Special Support Measures for Wildfire Victims
In a year marked by the worst wildfire season on record, Canada has been grappling with the devastating impacts of climate change. With temperatures on the rise, the severity of heat waves and wildfire risks are intensifying, posing a threat to the health, safety, and economic stability of communities across the country.
Today, amid these challenges, the Minister of Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship, Marc Miller, unveiled special measures to aid those directly affected by the wildfires. Canadian citizens and permanent residents impacted by the fires can now receive replacement documents—including permanent resident cards, Canadian citizenship certificates, passports, and other essential papers—at no cost.
Furthermore, individuals holding employer-specific work permits who have been affected by the wildfires will have the opportunity to transition to an open work permit. These special provisions will remain in effect until November 30, 2024, granting individuals the necessary time to address their document replacements and temporary status concerns while focusing on rebuilding their lives and communities.
International students, temporary foreign workers, and other visitors hit by the wildfires and whose status expires by November 30, 2024, are also eligible for assistance in restoring or extending their status in Canada. This will enable affected workers to extend their employment contracts if their workplaces are impacted by the fires, while students facing disruptions in their studies can continue their education without penalties.
Moreover, foreign emergency services personnel coming to Canada to support wildfire fighting efforts are now exempt from application fees and biometrics fees. This initiative aims to facilitate their essential work and express gratitude for their bravery and dedication in safeguarding Canadian communities.
The Minister emphasized, “We are dedicated to aiding those affected by severe wildfires through simplified processes for document replacements. We extend our heartfelt gratitude to the first responders, firefighters, and foreign emergency support personnel for their unwavering commitment to protecting our communities.”
Applicants seeking extensions of their temporary resident status and work permit renewals will maintain their eligibility to work as per their original work permit conditions while their applications are being processed.
In 2023, around 5,600 foreign emergency services personnel lent their support in battling wildfires in Canada. For further details on eligibility, application procedures, and covered replacement documents, individuals can visit IRCC’s website.
The special support measures announced today demonstrate Canada’s commitment to standing with wildfire victims and upholding the well-being of all those impacted by these natural disasters.
In a year marked by the worst wildfire season on record, Canada has been grappling with the devastating impacts of climate change. With temperatures on the rise, the severity of heat waves and wildfire risks are intensifying, posing a threat to the health, safety, and economic stability of communities across the country.
Today, amid these challenges, the Minister of Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship, Marc Miller, unveiled special measures to aid those directly affected by the wildfires. Canadian citizens and permanent residents impacted by the fires can now receive replacement documents—including permanent resident cards, Canadian citizenship certificates, passports, and other essential papers—at no cost.
Furthermore, individuals holding employer-specific work permits who have been affected by the wildfires will have the opportunity to transition to an open work permit. These special provisions will remain in effect until November 30, 2024, granting individuals the necessary time to address their document replacements and temporary status concerns while focusing on rebuilding their lives and communities.
International students, temporary foreign workers, and other visitors hit by the wildfires and whose status expires by November 30, 2024, are also eligible for assistance in restoring or extending their status in Canada. This will enable affected workers to extend their employment contracts if their workplaces are impacted by the fires, while students facing disruptions in their studies can continue their education without penalties.
Moreover, foreign emergency services personnel coming to Canada to support wildfire fighting efforts are now exempt from application fees and biometrics fees. This initiative aims to facilitate their essential work and express gratitude for their bravery and dedication in safeguarding Canadian communities.
The Minister emphasized, “We are dedicated to aiding those affected by severe wildfires through simplified processes for document replacements. We extend our heartfelt gratitude to the first responders, firefighters, and foreign emergency support personnel for their unwavering commitment to protecting our communities.”
Applicants seeking extensions of their temporary resident status and work permit renewals will maintain their eligibility to work as per their original work permit conditions while their applications are being processed.
In 2023, around 5,600 foreign emergency services personnel lent their support in battling wildfires in Canada. For further details on eligibility, application procedures, and covered replacement documents, individuals can visit IRCC’s website.
The special support measures announced today demonstrate Canada’s commitment to standing with wildfire victims and upholding the well-being of all those impacted by these natural disasters.
