Headline: IRCC Announces Emergency Measures for Wildfire Victims: Free Document Replacements and Work Permits
Today in Ottawa, the Honourable Marc Miller, Minister of Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship, unveiled special measures aimed at assisting individuals impacted by last year’s devastating wildfire season in Canada. The unprecedented wildfires posed a serious threat to the well-being and economy of communities across the nation, as Canada’s climate warms at twice the global average rate.
As the effects of climate change persist, extreme heatwaves and heightened wildfire risks are expected to become more frequent and severe. In response to this ongoing crisis, the Government of Canada is dedicated to supporting affected citizens and aiding provinces and territories in their emergency response efforts.
Under the newly announced initiatives, Canadian citizens and permanent residents directly affected by wildfires can receive no-cost replacements for lost, damaged, or inaccessible documents such as permanent resident cards, Canadian citizenship certificates, and passports. Furthermore, individuals holding employer-specific work permits, impacted by the fires, will have the option to transition to open work permits.
These special measures will be effective until November 30, 2024, offering affected individuals the necessary time to address document replacements and temporary status issues while focusing on rebuilding their lives and communities. Temporary foreign workers, international students, and other visitors affected by the wildfires, with statuses expiring by the same date, are also eligible to restore or extend their status free of charge.
In an effort to support foreign emergency services personnel aiding in wildfire containment efforts, application and biometrics fees have been waived. The additional support is intended to express gratitude and facilitate the crucial work being done by these frontline responders.
Minister Miller expressed unwavering commitment to assisting those impacted by the devastating wildfires, emphasizing the importance of streamlining processes for document replacement. He extended gratitude to the courageous first responders, firefighters, and international emergency support personnel who have demonstrated bravery and dedication in safeguarding communities.
Individuals applying for temporary resident status extensions and work permit renewals will maintain their eligibility to work as per the conditions of their original permit while their applications are processed. Approximately 5,600 foreign emergency services personnel supported Canada in combating wildfires in 2023.
For further details on eligibility, application procedures, and covered replacement documents, individuals are encouraged to visit IRCC’s website. Media contacts can reach out to Aissa Diop, Director of Communications at the Minister’s Office, Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada.
Today in Ottawa, the Honourable Marc Miller, Minister of Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship, unveiled special measures aimed at assisting individuals impacted by last year’s devastating wildfire season in Canada. The unprecedented wildfires posed a serious threat to the well-being and economy of communities across the nation, as Canada’s climate warms at twice the global average rate.
As the effects of climate change persist, extreme heatwaves and heightened wildfire risks are expected to become more frequent and severe. In response to this ongoing crisis, the Government of Canada is dedicated to supporting affected citizens and aiding provinces and territories in their emergency response efforts.
Under the newly announced initiatives, Canadian citizens and permanent residents directly affected by wildfires can receive no-cost replacements for lost, damaged, or inaccessible documents such as permanent resident cards, Canadian citizenship certificates, and passports. Furthermore, individuals holding employer-specific work permits, impacted by the fires, will have the option to transition to open work permits.
These special measures will be effective until November 30, 2024, offering affected individuals the necessary time to address document replacements and temporary status issues while focusing on rebuilding their lives and communities. Temporary foreign workers, international students, and other visitors affected by the wildfires, with statuses expiring by the same date, are also eligible to restore or extend their status free of charge.
In an effort to support foreign emergency services personnel aiding in wildfire containment efforts, application and biometrics fees have been waived. The additional support is intended to express gratitude and facilitate the crucial work being done by these frontline responders.
Minister Miller expressed unwavering commitment to assisting those impacted by the devastating wildfires, emphasizing the importance of streamlining processes for document replacement. He extended gratitude to the courageous first responders, firefighters, and international emergency support personnel who have demonstrated bravery and dedication in safeguarding communities.
Individuals applying for temporary resident status extensions and work permit renewals will maintain their eligibility to work as per the conditions of their original permit while their applications are processed. Approximately 5,600 foreign emergency services personnel supported Canada in combating wildfires in 2023.
For further details on eligibility, application procedures, and covered replacement documents, individuals are encouraged to visit IRCC’s website. Media contacts can reach out to Aissa Diop, Director of Communications at the Minister’s Office, Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada.
