Headline: Special Measures Announced to Assist Those Affected by Severe Wildfires in Canada
Last year, Canada faced its most devastating wildfire season in history, posing significant risks to the wellbeing, safety, and economic security of people across the country. With Canada’s climate warming at a rate double the global average, the threat of extreme heatwaves, droughts, and wildfires continues to intensify due to climate change. In response to this urgent situation, the Government of Canada has pledged its unwavering support to those impacted by these natural disasters and is working closely with provinces and territories to coordinate emergency responses.
In a press conference held today in Ottawa, the Honourable Marc Miller, Minister of Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship, unveiled special measures designed to aid individuals affected by wildfires. Canadian citizens and permanent residents who have suffered loss or damage of essential documents as a result of wildfires will now have access to free replacements, including permanent resident cards, Canadian citizenship certificates, passports, and other travel documents. Moreover, individuals in Canada affected by wildfires who hold employer-specific work permits will be granted the opportunity to switch to open work permits under these new initiatives, which will be effective until November 30, 2024.
For international students, temporary foreign workers, and visitors directly impacted by the wildfires and whose status would expire by the aforementioned date, arrangements have been made to extend or restore their status in Canada at no cost. This means that temporary workers facing work disruptions due to wildfires or international students experiencing delays in their studies can seek extensions or replacements for their status documents, ensuring they can continue their activities without interruption.
Furthermore, foreign emergency services personnel coming to Canada to assist in firefighting efforts have been exempted from application and biometrics fees, acknowledging their crucial contribution to combatting wildfires and offering support to their mission.
Minister Miller expressed his gratitude towards the brave firefighters, first responders, and emergency personnel for their selfless dedication in safeguarding communities and emphasized the government’s commitment to making the process of replacing lost documents as seamless as possible for those affected.
Individuals applying for a temporary resident status extension or work permit renewal will maintain their eligibility to work under their original permit conditions during the application processing period. Following the support of 5,600 foreign emergency services personnel in firefighting operations in 2023, the Minister’s Office at Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada has made resources available for media inquiries.
These new measures reflect Canada’s proactive approach in assisting those affected by catastrophic wildfires and highlight
Last year, Canada faced its most devastating wildfire season in history, posing significant risks to the wellbeing, safety, and economic security of people across the country. With Canada’s climate warming at a rate double the global average, the threat of extreme heatwaves, droughts, and wildfires continues to intensify due to climate change. In response to this urgent situation, the Government of Canada has pledged its unwavering support to those impacted by these natural disasters and is working closely with provinces and territories to coordinate emergency responses.
In a press conference held today in Ottawa, the Honourable Marc Miller, Minister of Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship, unveiled special measures designed to aid individuals affected by wildfires. Canadian citizens and permanent residents who have suffered loss or damage of essential documents as a result of wildfires will now have access to free replacements, including permanent resident cards, Canadian citizenship certificates, passports, and other travel documents. Moreover, individuals in Canada affected by wildfires who hold employer-specific work permits will be granted the opportunity to switch to open work permits under these new initiatives, which will be effective until November 30, 2024.
For international students, temporary foreign workers, and visitors directly impacted by the wildfires and whose status would expire by the aforementioned date, arrangements have been made to extend or restore their status in Canada at no cost. This means that temporary workers facing work disruptions due to wildfires or international students experiencing delays in their studies can seek extensions or replacements for their status documents, ensuring they can continue their activities without interruption.
Furthermore, foreign emergency services personnel coming to Canada to assist in firefighting efforts have been exempted from application and biometrics fees, acknowledging their crucial contribution to combatting wildfires and offering support to their mission.
Minister Miller expressed his gratitude towards the brave firefighters, first responders, and emergency personnel for their selfless dedication in safeguarding communities and emphasized the government’s commitment to making the process of replacing lost documents as seamless as possible for those affected.
Individuals applying for a temporary resident status extension or work permit renewal will maintain their eligibility to work under their original permit conditions during the application processing period. Following the support of 5,600 foreign emergency services personnel in firefighting operations in 2023, the Minister’s Office at Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada has made resources available for media inquiries.
These new measures reflect Canada’s proactive approach in assisting those affected by catastrophic wildfires and highlight
