Headline: Canada Introduces Special Measures to Aid Wildfire Victims and Support Emergency Response Efforts
In a proactive response to the devastating impact of the worst wildfire season on record in Canada, the Honourable Marc Miller, Minister of Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship, has unveiled special measures to provide crucial support to those affected and facilitate emergency responses.
The escalating threat posed by climate change, with Canada’s temperature rising twice as fast as the global average, has led to more frequent and intense heatwaves. This has significantly heightened the risk of wildfires, droughts, and other extreme weather events, compromising the well-being, safety, and economic stability of communities across the country.
Under these new measures, Canadian citizens and permanent residents impacted by wildfires can access free replacement documents, including permanent resident cards, citizenship certificates, passports, and other essential travel documents that have been lost, damaged, or made inaccessible by the fires. Special provisions have also been made for employer-specific work permit holders to transition to open work permits.
Moreover, individuals affected by the wildfires who are international students, temporary foreign workers, or other visitors with status expiring by November 30, 2024, are eligible to extend or restore their status in Canada and replace vital documents at no cost. This flexible timeline allows individuals to manage their document replacements and temporary status concerns while prioritizing their families, properties, and communities.
Additionally, foreign emergency services personnel entering Canada to assist in firefighting efforts will be exempt from application fees and biometrics fees as a gesture of appreciation and to streamline their critical contributions.
The government’s collective effort aims to simplify the process of document replacement for Canadians, permanent residents, and temporary residents, while expressing gratitude to the courageous first responders and firefighters battling the blazes. Minister Miller reiterated the government’s commitment to supporting those affected by the wildfires and commended the bravery and dedication of emergency personnel safeguarding communities.
Individuals applying for temporary resident status extensions and work permit renewals will maintain their status throughout the application process and can continue working under the conditions of their original permits. Notably, approximately 5,600 foreign emergency services personnel joined forces in 2023 to combat wildfires in Canada.
For further details on eligibility criteria, application procedures, and covered replacement documents, interested parties can refer to the Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC) website. The government’s swift actions underscore a united front in offering relief to wildfire victims and bolstering emergency response initiatives across the nation.
In a proactive response to the devastating impact of the worst wildfire season on record in Canada, the Honourable Marc Miller, Minister of Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship, has unveiled special measures to provide crucial support to those affected and facilitate emergency responses.
The escalating threat posed by climate change, with Canada’s temperature rising twice as fast as the global average, has led to more frequent and intense heatwaves. This has significantly heightened the risk of wildfires, droughts, and other extreme weather events, compromising the well-being, safety, and economic stability of communities across the country.
Under these new measures, Canadian citizens and permanent residents impacted by wildfires can access free replacement documents, including permanent resident cards, citizenship certificates, passports, and other essential travel documents that have been lost, damaged, or made inaccessible by the fires. Special provisions have also been made for employer-specific work permit holders to transition to open work permits.
Moreover, individuals affected by the wildfires who are international students, temporary foreign workers, or other visitors with status expiring by November 30, 2024, are eligible to extend or restore their status in Canada and replace vital documents at no cost. This flexible timeline allows individuals to manage their document replacements and temporary status concerns while prioritizing their families, properties, and communities.
Additionally, foreign emergency services personnel entering Canada to assist in firefighting efforts will be exempt from application fees and biometrics fees as a gesture of appreciation and to streamline their critical contributions.
The government’s collective effort aims to simplify the process of document replacement for Canadians, permanent residents, and temporary residents, while expressing gratitude to the courageous first responders and firefighters battling the blazes. Minister Miller reiterated the government’s commitment to supporting those affected by the wildfires and commended the bravery and dedication of emergency personnel safeguarding communities.
Individuals applying for temporary resident status extensions and work permit renewals will maintain their status throughout the application process and can continue working under the conditions of their original permits. Notably, approximately 5,600 foreign emergency services personnel joined forces in 2023 to combat wildfires in Canada.
For further details on eligibility criteria, application procedures, and covered replacement documents, interested parties can refer to the Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC) website. The government’s swift actions underscore a united front in offering relief to wildfire victims and bolstering emergency response initiatives across the nation.
