**New Headline:** Canada Introduces Special Measures to Aid Victims of Wildfires
In a heartfelt move to assist those affected by devastating wildfires, the Government of Canada has announced special measures to support individuals whose lives have been upended by the worst wildfire season on record.
Last year, Canada faced a severe wildfire season that posed threats to the well-being, safety, and economic stability of its people and communities. With Canada’s climate warming at double the global average rate, extreme heatwaves are becoming more frequent and intense, escalating the risks of droughts and wildfires due to climate change.
Today, the Honourable Marc Miller, Minister of Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship, unveiled a series of special measures aimed at providing relief to those impacted by wildfires. Canadian citizens and permanent residents affected by the fires can receive free replacement documents, including permanent resident cards, citizenship certificates, passports, and other essential travel documents that may have been lost, damaged, or rendered inaccessible in the wake of the wildfires.
Moreover, individuals in Canada facing wildfire-related challenges, such as employer-specific work permit holders, will have the opportunity to transition to an open work permit under these special provisions until November 30, 2024. This grace period allows affected individuals to focus on rebuilding their lives, homes, and communities while addressing their replacement document needs or temporary status concerns.
International students, temporary foreign workers, and other visitors adversely impacted by the wildfires can also benefit from these measures. Those whose status is set to expire by November 30, 2024, are eligible to restore or extend their status in Canada free of charge, ensuring they can navigate their challenges without additional financial burden.
Furthermore, foreign emergency services personnel entering Canada to assist in firefighting efforts will be exempt from application and biometrics fees, acknowledging their critical role in combating wildfires and expressing gratitude for their invaluable support.
Minister Miller expressed the government’s unwavering commitment to helping wildfire-affected individuals and praised the bravery and dedication of first responders, firefighters, and emergency support personnel working tirelessly to protect communities.
Individuals applying for status extensions or work permit renewals will retain their eligibility to work under their original permit conditions while their applications are processed, safeguarding their continued employment.
With approximately 5,600 foreign emergency service personnel lending a helping hand during the 2023 wildfire season, Canada’s proactive measures demonstrate a united front in supporting those in need during times of crisis.
For detailed information on eligibility criteria, application procedures, and covered replacement documents under these
In a heartfelt move to assist those affected by devastating wildfires, the Government of Canada has announced special measures to support individuals whose lives have been upended by the worst wildfire season on record.
Last year, Canada faced a severe wildfire season that posed threats to the well-being, safety, and economic stability of its people and communities. With Canada’s climate warming at double the global average rate, extreme heatwaves are becoming more frequent and intense, escalating the risks of droughts and wildfires due to climate change.
Today, the Honourable Marc Miller, Minister of Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship, unveiled a series of special measures aimed at providing relief to those impacted by wildfires. Canadian citizens and permanent residents affected by the fires can receive free replacement documents, including permanent resident cards, citizenship certificates, passports, and other essential travel documents that may have been lost, damaged, or rendered inaccessible in the wake of the wildfires.
Moreover, individuals in Canada facing wildfire-related challenges, such as employer-specific work permit holders, will have the opportunity to transition to an open work permit under these special provisions until November 30, 2024. This grace period allows affected individuals to focus on rebuilding their lives, homes, and communities while addressing their replacement document needs or temporary status concerns.
International students, temporary foreign workers, and other visitors adversely impacted by the wildfires can also benefit from these measures. Those whose status is set to expire by November 30, 2024, are eligible to restore or extend their status in Canada free of charge, ensuring they can navigate their challenges without additional financial burden.
Furthermore, foreign emergency services personnel entering Canada to assist in firefighting efforts will be exempt from application and biometrics fees, acknowledging their critical role in combating wildfires and expressing gratitude for their invaluable support.
Minister Miller expressed the government’s unwavering commitment to helping wildfire-affected individuals and praised the bravery and dedication of first responders, firefighters, and emergency support personnel working tirelessly to protect communities.
Individuals applying for status extensions or work permit renewals will retain their eligibility to work under their original permit conditions while their applications are processed, safeguarding their continued employment.
With approximately 5,600 foreign emergency service personnel lending a helping hand during the 2023 wildfire season, Canada’s proactive measures demonstrate a united front in supporting those in need during times of crisis.
For detailed information on eligibility criteria, application procedures, and covered replacement documents under these
