Headline: Canada Announces Special Support Measures for Those Affected by Worst Wildfire Season
Last year’s devastating wildfire season in Canada has prompted the government to take action in support of those affected. With climate change accelerating the frequency and intensity of extreme hot temperatures, leading to increased risks of heatwaves, droughts, and wildfires, it is more critical than ever to assist individuals and communities facing these challenges.
Today, the Honourable Marc Miller, Minister of Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship, unveiled special measures aimed at aiding those impacted by wildfires. Canadian citizens and permanent residents who have suffered losses due to wildfires can now obtain replacement documents such as permanent resident cards, Canadian citizenship certificates, passports, and other necessary papers free of charge. Furthermore, employees holding work permits specific to employers will have the opportunity to transition to open work permits to ease their situation.
These special support measures will be in effect until November 30, 2024, providing affected individuals with the time needed to replace documents, manage temporary status issues, and focus on rebuilding their lives without added financial strain.
International students, temporary foreign workers, and visitors directly impacted by wildfires and facing status expirations before the end of November will also be eligible for extensions or replacements of their current status documents at no cost. This will ensure that foreign workers unable to work due to fire-related closures can extend their stay, and students can complete their studies without interruption.
In a gesture of appreciation and to facilitate critical emergency response efforts, foreign emergency services personnel entering Canada to aid in wildfire combat will be exempt from application fees and biometrics fees.
The announcement underscores the government’s dedication to supporting those affected by wildfires and simplifying the process of replacing lost documents. Minister Miller expressed profound gratitude to firefighters, first responders, and foreign personnel for their unwavering commitment and courage in safeguarding Canadian communities.
Applicants for status extensions and work permit renewals will maintain eligibility to work as per their initial permit conditions while their applications are processed. In 2023, approximately 5,600 foreign emergency services personnel came to Canada’s aid during the wildfire crisis.
For more detailed information on eligibility criteria, application procedures, and covered replacement documents, individuals can refer to IRCC’s website.
Contact: Aissa Diop Director of Communications Minister’s Office, Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada Aissa.Diop@cic.gc.ca Media Relations Communications Sector, Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada 613-952-1650
Last year’s devastating wildfire season in Canada has prompted the government to take action in support of those affected. With climate change accelerating the frequency and intensity of extreme hot temperatures, leading to increased risks of heatwaves, droughts, and wildfires, it is more critical than ever to assist individuals and communities facing these challenges.
Today, the Honourable Marc Miller, Minister of Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship, unveiled special measures aimed at aiding those impacted by wildfires. Canadian citizens and permanent residents who have suffered losses due to wildfires can now obtain replacement documents such as permanent resident cards, Canadian citizenship certificates, passports, and other necessary papers free of charge. Furthermore, employees holding work permits specific to employers will have the opportunity to transition to open work permits to ease their situation.
These special support measures will be in effect until November 30, 2024, providing affected individuals with the time needed to replace documents, manage temporary status issues, and focus on rebuilding their lives without added financial strain.
International students, temporary foreign workers, and visitors directly impacted by wildfires and facing status expirations before the end of November will also be eligible for extensions or replacements of their current status documents at no cost. This will ensure that foreign workers unable to work due to fire-related closures can extend their stay, and students can complete their studies without interruption.
In a gesture of appreciation and to facilitate critical emergency response efforts, foreign emergency services personnel entering Canada to aid in wildfire combat will be exempt from application fees and biometrics fees.
The announcement underscores the government’s dedication to supporting those affected by wildfires and simplifying the process of replacing lost documents. Minister Miller expressed profound gratitude to firefighters, first responders, and foreign personnel for their unwavering commitment and courage in safeguarding Canadian communities.
Applicants for status extensions and work permit renewals will maintain eligibility to work as per their initial permit conditions while their applications are processed. In 2023, approximately 5,600 foreign emergency services personnel came to Canada’s aid during the wildfire crisis.
For more detailed information on eligibility criteria, application procedures, and covered replacement documents, individuals can refer to IRCC’s website.
Contact: Aissa Diop Director of Communications Minister’s Office, Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada Aissa.Diop@cic.gc.ca Media Relations Communications Sector, Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada 613-952-1650
