Supporting Those Affected by Wildfires

In response to the unprecedented challenges posed by Canada’s recent severe wildfire season, the Government of Canada has announced special measures to aid those affected. Last year marked Canada’s most devastating wildfire season on record, exacerbating health, safety, and economic concerns for communities nationwide. With Canada’s climate warming at twice the global average rate, the frequency and intensity of extreme heatwaves are anticipated to rise, heightening risks of droughts and wildfires.

Today, Minister Marc Miller, overseeing Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship, introduced critical relief initiatives for individuals directly impacted by wildfires. Canadian citizens and permanent residents affected by wildfires can now obtain replacement documents—such as passports, citizenship certificates, and permanent resident cards—at no cost if lost, damaged, destroyed, or inaccessible due to fire-related circumstances. Additionally, holders of employer-specific work permits affected by wildfires are eligible to transition to open work permits under these measures.

These provisions remain in effect until November 30, 2024, allowing individuals ample time to address document replacements and temporary status concerns, while prioritizing familial and community needs during recovery.

Furthermore, international students, temporary foreign workers, and other visitors directly affected by wildfires can extend or restore their status in Canada, or replace their status documents, free of charge, if their status expires by the aforementioned date. This flexibility ensures temporary workers and students can maintain their permits amid disruptions caused by fires.