Headline: Canada Announces Special Support Measures for Wildfire Victims, Including Free Replacement Documents
In a bid to help those impacted by the devastating wildfires that ravaged Canada last year, the government has introduced special support measures aimed at easing the hardships faced by affected individuals.
With Canada’s climate warming at an alarming rate, the threat of extreme heat temperatures, intensified droughts, and heightened wildfire risks looms large. Recognizing the challenges posed by these environmental changes, the Government of Canada is stepping up to assist provinces and territories in their emergency responses.
Today, the Honourable Marc Miller, Minister of Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship, unveiled a series of initiatives to aid wildfire victims. Canadian citizens and permanent residents directly affected by the wildfires will be provided with free replacement documents, such as permanent resident cards, citizenship certificates, passports, and other travel documents. Additionally, those holding employer-specific work permits will have the opportunity to switch to open work permits, allowing for greater flexibility during this challenging time.
These special measures will remain in effect until November 30, 2024, affording individuals the necessary time to address document replacements or temporary status concerns while focusing on their families and communities.
Moreover, international students, temporary foreign workers, and other affected visitors can restore or extend their status in Canada free of charge. Temporary workers facing work disruptions due to the fires can extend their status, while international students with delayed or canceled classes can continue their studies without penalties.
The government has also waived application fees and biometrics costs for foreign emergency services personnel entering Canada to aid in firefighting efforts. This gesture acknowledges their vital contributions and aims to streamline their critical work.
For further details on eligibility, application processes, and covered replacement documents, individuals are encouraged to visit IRCC’s website for comprehensive information.
Minister Marc Miller expressed the government’s unwavering commitment to supporting wildfire-affected individuals and extended gratitude to the first responders, firefighters, and international emergency personnel for their courageous efforts in safeguarding communities.
Applicants seeking temporary status extensions and work permit renewals will maintain their status throughout the processing period, allowing them to continue working under the conditions of their original permits.
In 2023, approximately 5,600 foreign emergency services personnel lent their expertise to combat wildfires in Canada, highlighting the importance of international cooperation in times of crisis.
For media inquiries, please contact: Aissa Diop Director of Communications Minister’s Office, Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada Aissa.Diop@cic
In a bid to help those impacted by the devastating wildfires that ravaged Canada last year, the government has introduced special support measures aimed at easing the hardships faced by affected individuals.
With Canada’s climate warming at an alarming rate, the threat of extreme heat temperatures, intensified droughts, and heightened wildfire risks looms large. Recognizing the challenges posed by these environmental changes, the Government of Canada is stepping up to assist provinces and territories in their emergency responses.
Today, the Honourable Marc Miller, Minister of Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship, unveiled a series of initiatives to aid wildfire victims. Canadian citizens and permanent residents directly affected by the wildfires will be provided with free replacement documents, such as permanent resident cards, citizenship certificates, passports, and other travel documents. Additionally, those holding employer-specific work permits will have the opportunity to switch to open work permits, allowing for greater flexibility during this challenging time.
These special measures will remain in effect until November 30, 2024, affording individuals the necessary time to address document replacements or temporary status concerns while focusing on their families and communities.
Moreover, international students, temporary foreign workers, and other affected visitors can restore or extend their status in Canada free of charge. Temporary workers facing work disruptions due to the fires can extend their status, while international students with delayed or canceled classes can continue their studies without penalties.
The government has also waived application fees and biometrics costs for foreign emergency services personnel entering Canada to aid in firefighting efforts. This gesture acknowledges their vital contributions and aims to streamline their critical work.
For further details on eligibility, application processes, and covered replacement documents, individuals are encouraged to visit IRCC’s website for comprehensive information.
Minister Marc Miller expressed the government’s unwavering commitment to supporting wildfire-affected individuals and extended gratitude to the first responders, firefighters, and international emergency personnel for their courageous efforts in safeguarding communities.
Applicants seeking temporary status extensions and work permit renewals will maintain their status throughout the processing period, allowing them to continue working under the conditions of their original permits.
In 2023, approximately 5,600 foreign emergency services personnel lent their expertise to combat wildfires in Canada, highlighting the importance of international cooperation in times of crisis.
For media inquiries, please contact: Aissa Diop Director of Communications Minister’s Office, Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada Aissa.Diop@cic
