Title: Canada Provides Special Assistance to Wildfire-Affected Individuals
In a landmark move to aid those devastated by the worst wildfire season Canada witnessed last year, the Government of Canada has announced special measures for residents affected by the calamity. As climate change accelerates, bringing about extreme temperatures and heightened risks of droughts and wildfires, the government has stepped up to assist its citizens and residents in need.
The Honourable Marc Miller, Minister of Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship, revealed the special measures set in motion to aid individuals directly impacted by wildfires. In an effort to ease the burdens faced by those affected, Canadian citizens and permanent residents can now avail free replacement documents for lost, damaged, or inaccessible items, such as permanent resident cards, Canadian citizenship certificates, passports, and other essential travel documents.
Moreover, individuals in Canada facing challenges due to wildfires can transition from employer-specific work permits to open work permits, ensuring continued support during this critical period. These provisions will remain in effect until November 30, 2024, affording affected individuals ample time to navigate their status issues while prioritizing their families, homes, and communities.
Those in Canada on temporary permits, including international students and temporary foreign workers, whose status expires by November 30, 2024, are eligible to extend or restore their status free of charge. This will enable workers whose workplaces are impacted by fires to extend their permits, while students facing disruptions can pursue their studies without hindrance.
Furthermore, foreign emergency services personnel aiding in wildfire containment efforts in Canada have been exempted from application and biometrics fees, acknowledging their invaluable contribution and facilitating their vital services.
Minister Miller expressed the government’s unwavering commitment to support those affected by catastrophic wildfires, emphasizing the simplified process for individuals to replace essential documents. The Minister extended heartfelt appreciation to the brave first responders, firefighters, and foreign emergency service personnel who risk their lives to safeguard communities across the country.
Individuals applying for temporary resident status extensions and work permit renewals will retain their current status while their applications are under review, ensuring uninterrupted work privileges in accordance with their original permits.
As Canada continues to grapple with the impacts of climate change, the government’s proactive measures aim to alleviate the hardships faced by wildfire-affected individuals, demonstrating a steadfast commitment to bolstering communities in times of crisis.
For media inquiries, please contact: Aissa Diop Director of Communications, Minister’s Office Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada Aissa.Diop@c
In a landmark move to aid those devastated by the worst wildfire season Canada witnessed last year, the Government of Canada has announced special measures for residents affected by the calamity. As climate change accelerates, bringing about extreme temperatures and heightened risks of droughts and wildfires, the government has stepped up to assist its citizens and residents in need.
The Honourable Marc Miller, Minister of Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship, revealed the special measures set in motion to aid individuals directly impacted by wildfires. In an effort to ease the burdens faced by those affected, Canadian citizens and permanent residents can now avail free replacement documents for lost, damaged, or inaccessible items, such as permanent resident cards, Canadian citizenship certificates, passports, and other essential travel documents.
Moreover, individuals in Canada facing challenges due to wildfires can transition from employer-specific work permits to open work permits, ensuring continued support during this critical period. These provisions will remain in effect until November 30, 2024, affording affected individuals ample time to navigate their status issues while prioritizing their families, homes, and communities.
Those in Canada on temporary permits, including international students and temporary foreign workers, whose status expires by November 30, 2024, are eligible to extend or restore their status free of charge. This will enable workers whose workplaces are impacted by fires to extend their permits, while students facing disruptions can pursue their studies without hindrance.
Furthermore, foreign emergency services personnel aiding in wildfire containment efforts in Canada have been exempted from application and biometrics fees, acknowledging their invaluable contribution and facilitating their vital services.
Minister Miller expressed the government’s unwavering commitment to support those affected by catastrophic wildfires, emphasizing the simplified process for individuals to replace essential documents. The Minister extended heartfelt appreciation to the brave first responders, firefighters, and foreign emergency service personnel who risk their lives to safeguard communities across the country.
Individuals applying for temporary resident status extensions and work permit renewals will retain their current status while their applications are under review, ensuring uninterrupted work privileges in accordance with their original permits.
As Canada continues to grapple with the impacts of climate change, the government’s proactive measures aim to alleviate the hardships faced by wildfire-affected individuals, demonstrating a steadfast commitment to bolstering communities in times of crisis.
For media inquiries, please contact: Aissa Diop Director of Communications, Minister’s Office Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada Aissa.Diop@c
