Headline: Canada Introduces Special Measures for Those Affected by Wildfires, Including Free Document Replacements and Work Permits
In an unprecedented move to assist those affected by the devastating wildfires, the Government of Canada has announced special measures aimed at providing support and relief to individuals impacted by the worst wildfire season on record.
Last year, Canada faced an unprecedented wildfire season, which not only posed a threat to the health and safety of its citizens but also to the economic stability of communities nationwide. With Canada’s climate warming at a rate twice as fast as the global average, the frequency and intensity of extreme hot temperatures are expected to rise, increasing the risk of heat waves, droughts, and wildfires due to climate change.
In response to the ongoing challenges posed by these wildfires, the Honourable Marc Miller, Minister of Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship, unveiled special measures to aid those affected. Canadian citizens and permanent residents impacted by the wildfires can now avail free replacement documents, including permanent resident cards, Canadian citizenship certificates, passports, and other travel documents that have been lost, damaged, destroyed, or rendered inaccessible due to the fires.
Moreover, individuals in Canada affected by wildfires who hold employer-specific work permits will now have the option to transition to an open work permit, offering them greater flexibility during this challenging period. These special measures will remain in effect until November 30, 2024, providing affected individuals with ample time to address their document replacement needs and temporary status concerns while prioritizing their families, homes, and communities.
The support extends to international students, temporary foreign workers, and other visitors directly affected by the wildfires, whose status is set to expire by November 30, 2024. They are eligible to restore or extend their status in Canada, or replace status documents at no charge, ensuring continuity in their stay during these trying times.
Notably, foreign emergency services personnel entering Canada to contribute to wildfire containment efforts will be exempt from application fees and biometrics fees, acknowledging their crucial role in safeguarding communities and showing appreciation for their selfless service.
More information on eligibility criteria, application procedures, and covered replacement documents under these special measures is available on the Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada website, emphasizing the government’s commitment to facilitating relief efforts for those impacted by the wildfires.
Minister Marc Miller expressed gratitude to first responders, firefighters, and foreign emergency support personnel for their valor and dedication in protecting communities amidst this crisis, underscoring the government’s unwavering commitment to
In an unprecedented move to assist those affected by the devastating wildfires, the Government of Canada has announced special measures aimed at providing support and relief to individuals impacted by the worst wildfire season on record.
Last year, Canada faced an unprecedented wildfire season, which not only posed a threat to the health and safety of its citizens but also to the economic stability of communities nationwide. With Canada’s climate warming at a rate twice as fast as the global average, the frequency and intensity of extreme hot temperatures are expected to rise, increasing the risk of heat waves, droughts, and wildfires due to climate change.
In response to the ongoing challenges posed by these wildfires, the Honourable Marc Miller, Minister of Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship, unveiled special measures to aid those affected. Canadian citizens and permanent residents impacted by the wildfires can now avail free replacement documents, including permanent resident cards, Canadian citizenship certificates, passports, and other travel documents that have been lost, damaged, destroyed, or rendered inaccessible due to the fires.
Moreover, individuals in Canada affected by wildfires who hold employer-specific work permits will now have the option to transition to an open work permit, offering them greater flexibility during this challenging period. These special measures will remain in effect until November 30, 2024, providing affected individuals with ample time to address their document replacement needs and temporary status concerns while prioritizing their families, homes, and communities.
The support extends to international students, temporary foreign workers, and other visitors directly affected by the wildfires, whose status is set to expire by November 30, 2024. They are eligible to restore or extend their status in Canada, or replace status documents at no charge, ensuring continuity in their stay during these trying times.
Notably, foreign emergency services personnel entering Canada to contribute to wildfire containment efforts will be exempt from application fees and biometrics fees, acknowledging their crucial role in safeguarding communities and showing appreciation for their selfless service.
More information on eligibility criteria, application procedures, and covered replacement documents under these special measures is available on the Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada website, emphasizing the government’s commitment to facilitating relief efforts for those impacted by the wildfires.
Minister Marc Miller expressed gratitude to first responders, firefighters, and foreign emergency support personnel for their valor and dedication in protecting communities amidst this crisis, underscoring the government’s unwavering commitment to
