Canadian passports, other documents lost in wildfires to be replaced for free: FBI
The federal government has special measures for Canadians announced whose records have been lost or damaged as a record-breaking wildfire season arrives.
Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC) will freely replace permanent resident cards, Canadian citizenship certificates, Canadian passports and other travel documents that are damaged, lost or otherwise inaccessible due to wildfires.
The special measures are in effect until September 30, 2023 and also apply to international students, temporary foreign workers and other visitors directly affected by the bushfires who would see their status expire at the end of September.
They are eligible to apply for, restore or renew their status in Canada for free.
“These new measures will make it easier for Canadians, permanent residents and transient residents to replace lost documents. They will also ensure that temporary residents are not punished unnecessarily and that they are there to help rebuild our communities,” said Sean Fraser, Secretary of Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship.
Fraser also thanked first responders and firefighters across the country for their “continued courage and hard work to protect our communities during this challenging time.”
Temporary workers who have had their workplace closed due to the fires can extend their status and stay until their workplace reopens. Those who apply for an extension of their work permit do so remain eligible to work under the terms of their original work permit.
Those applying for an extension of their work permit will continue to benefit from their status being maintained while their application is processed and remain eligible to work under the terms of their original work permit.
International students, meanwhile, can freely extend their study permit if their classes are delayed or canceled and complete their studies without penalty.
According to the National Wildland Fire Situation Report there were 186 uncontrolled wildfires across Canada on June 7.
More than 47,000 square kilometers have been set on fire so far this year, Emergency Relief Minister Bill Blair said earlier this week. Blaid added that more than 430 wildfires are currently active across the country.
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