Headline: Canada Offers Relief Measures for Wildfire Victims Including Free Replacement Documents
Ottawa, July 22, 2024 – Canada, reeling from its worst wildfire season on record, is taking decisive action to support those affected by the devastating impact of the fires. With the country’s climate warming at an alarming rate, the Government of Canada is stepping up efforts to aid individuals and communities facing the brunt of these disasters.
In a recent announcement, the Honourable Marc Miller, Minister of Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship, unveiled a series of special measures to assist people impacted by the wildfires. Canadian citizens and permanent residents directly affected by the fires can now obtain free replacements for essential documents such as permanent resident cards, Canadian citizenship certificates, passports, and other travel documents that have been lost, damaged, destroyed, or rendered inaccessible due to the fires.
Furthermore, individuals in Canada affected by the wildfires who hold employer-specific work permits will now have the opportunity to transition to an open work permit. These special measures are in place until November 30, 2024, allowing those affected ample time to address their document replacement needs and temporary status issues, all while focusing on rebuilding their lives, homes, and communities.
In a bid to support international students, temporary foreign workers, and other visitors impacted by the wildfires, special provisions have been made to restore or extend their immigration status in Canada, or replace status documents, free of charge, for those whose status expires by November 30, 2024. This means that workers unable to work due to fire-related closures can extend their status, while students facing study disruptions can continue their education without penalties.
In a show of appreciation for the foreign emergency services personnel aiding in the firefighting efforts in Canada, additional measures have been implemented to waive application and biometrics fees for their entry. These gestures aim to not only express gratitude but also facilitate the crucial work being carried out by these personnel.
Minister Miller expressed firm support for those impacted by the wildfires, emphasizing that the replacement measures will streamline the process for Canadians, permanent residents, and temporary residents facing document losses. In a heartfelt message, he commended the bravery and dedication of first responders and firefighters, as well as the foreign emergency support personnel, for their unwavering commitment to safeguarding communities.
Individuals applying for an extension of their temporary resident status and renewal of work permits will continue to maintain their status and remain eligible to work during the application processing period.
As Canada grapples
Ottawa, July 22, 2024 – Canada, reeling from its worst wildfire season on record, is taking decisive action to support those affected by the devastating impact of the fires. With the country’s climate warming at an alarming rate, the Government of Canada is stepping up efforts to aid individuals and communities facing the brunt of these disasters.
In a recent announcement, the Honourable Marc Miller, Minister of Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship, unveiled a series of special measures to assist people impacted by the wildfires. Canadian citizens and permanent residents directly affected by the fires can now obtain free replacements for essential documents such as permanent resident cards, Canadian citizenship certificates, passports, and other travel documents that have been lost, damaged, destroyed, or rendered inaccessible due to the fires.
Furthermore, individuals in Canada affected by the wildfires who hold employer-specific work permits will now have the opportunity to transition to an open work permit. These special measures are in place until November 30, 2024, allowing those affected ample time to address their document replacement needs and temporary status issues, all while focusing on rebuilding their lives, homes, and communities.
In a bid to support international students, temporary foreign workers, and other visitors impacted by the wildfires, special provisions have been made to restore or extend their immigration status in Canada, or replace status documents, free of charge, for those whose status expires by November 30, 2024. This means that workers unable to work due to fire-related closures can extend their status, while students facing study disruptions can continue their education without penalties.
In a show of appreciation for the foreign emergency services personnel aiding in the firefighting efforts in Canada, additional measures have been implemented to waive application and biometrics fees for their entry. These gestures aim to not only express gratitude but also facilitate the crucial work being carried out by these personnel.
Minister Miller expressed firm support for those impacted by the wildfires, emphasizing that the replacement measures will streamline the process for Canadians, permanent residents, and temporary residents facing document losses. In a heartfelt message, he commended the bravery and dedication of first responders and firefighters, as well as the foreign emergency support personnel, for their unwavering commitment to safeguarding communities.
Individuals applying for an extension of their temporary resident status and renewal of work permits will continue to maintain their status and remain eligible to work during the application processing period.
As Canada grapples
