Headline: Canada Offers Support and Special Measures for Wildfire Victims
In a challenging year marked by severe wildfires, Canada continues to battle the impacts of climate change. With temperatures soaring and the risk of wildfires increasing, the government is taking proactive steps to assist those affected by the devastation.
Today, the Honourable Marc Miller, Minister of Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship, announced a series of special measures to aid individuals impacted by the wildfires. Canadian citizens and permanent residents who have lost important documents due to the wildfires can now receive free replacements, including permanent resident cards, Canadian citizenship certificates, passports, and travel documents.
Moreover, individuals in Canada affected by the wildfires who hold employer-specific work permits will have the opportunity to transition to open work permits. These special measures will remain in effect until November 30, 2024, providing individuals with the necessary time to address document replacement and temporary status concerns, while focusing on rebuilding and recovery.
International students, temporary foreign workers, and other visitors directly impacted by the wildfires will also benefit from free restoration or extension of their status in Canada, ensuring they can continue their studies or work without interruption.
Additionally, foreign emergency services personnel assisting in wildfire response efforts will be exempt from application fees and biometrics fees, a gesture of appreciation for their crucial contributions to firefighting efforts.
Minister Miller emphasized the government’s unwavering commitment to supporting wildfire victims, simplifying document replacement processes, and expressing gratitude to all frontline responders for their bravery in safeguarding communities.
Moreover, individuals applying for status extensions and work permit renewals will maintain their eligibility to work as per their original permits during the processing period. In 2023, approximately 5,600 foreign emergency services personnel joined the fight against wildfires in Canada.
For more details on eligibility, application procedures, and covered replacement documents under these special measures, individuals can visit the Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada website.
As Canada faces the ongoing challenges posed by wildfires and climate change, the government’s swift action and support offer a ray of hope for those affected and a testament to the nation’s resilience in times of crisis.
In a challenging year marked by severe wildfires, Canada continues to battle the impacts of climate change. With temperatures soaring and the risk of wildfires increasing, the government is taking proactive steps to assist those affected by the devastation.
Today, the Honourable Marc Miller, Minister of Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship, announced a series of special measures to aid individuals impacted by the wildfires. Canadian citizens and permanent residents who have lost important documents due to the wildfires can now receive free replacements, including permanent resident cards, Canadian citizenship certificates, passports, and travel documents.
Moreover, individuals in Canada affected by the wildfires who hold employer-specific work permits will have the opportunity to transition to open work permits. These special measures will remain in effect until November 30, 2024, providing individuals with the necessary time to address document replacement and temporary status concerns, while focusing on rebuilding and recovery.
International students, temporary foreign workers, and other visitors directly impacted by the wildfires will also benefit from free restoration or extension of their status in Canada, ensuring they can continue their studies or work without interruption.
Additionally, foreign emergency services personnel assisting in wildfire response efforts will be exempt from application fees and biometrics fees, a gesture of appreciation for their crucial contributions to firefighting efforts.
Minister Miller emphasized the government’s unwavering commitment to supporting wildfire victims, simplifying document replacement processes, and expressing gratitude to all frontline responders for their bravery in safeguarding communities.
Moreover, individuals applying for status extensions and work permit renewals will maintain their eligibility to work as per their original permits during the processing period. In 2023, approximately 5,600 foreign emergency services personnel joined the fight against wildfires in Canada.
For more details on eligibility, application procedures, and covered replacement documents under these special measures, individuals can visit the Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada website.
As Canada faces the ongoing challenges posed by wildfires and climate change, the government’s swift action and support offer a ray of hope for those affected and a testament to the nation’s resilience in times of crisis.
