In the midst of an “unprecedented” wildfire season in Canada, Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC) has announced that it will provide free replacements for important documents lost in the wildfires. Passports, permanent resident cards, and citizenship certificates will be replaced at no cost for Canadians, permanent residents, and temporary residents affected by the fires.
The devastating wildfire season has already impacted numerous communities across the country, prompting the government to take action in assisting those affected. Additionally, international students, temporary foreign workers, and visitors whose status is set to expire by September 30 and have been impacted by the wildfires will be able to apply for extensions and restorations free of charge.
IRCC’s initiative aims to alleviate the burdens faced by individuals who have lost crucial documents due to the fires. The replacement documents include permanent resident cards, Canadian citizenship certificates, Canadian passports, and other travel documents that have been lost, damaged, destroyed, or rendered inaccessible because of the wildfires.
The government’s commitment to providing free replacements and extensions until September 30 reflects their recognition of the challenges faced by wildfire victims. Immigration Minister Sean Fraser emphasized the government’s desire to simplify the process of replacing lost documents during this ongoing crisis.
Canada is currently grappling with one of the most severe wildfire seasons in the 21st century, with more than 47,000 square kilometers already burned in 2023. As of Monday, there were still 431 active fires raging across the country.
A recent study revealed a direct link between carbon emissions and the area burned by wildfires in southwestern Canada and the western United States. The emissions were traced back to major fossil fuel producers and cement manufacturers, underscoring the environmental impact of such activities.
Canada’s efforts to provide assistance and support to those affected by the wildfires demonstrate the government’s commitment to helping individuals rebuild their lives in the face of this ongoing crisis. By offering free replacements for lost documents, IRCC aims to alleviate the burdens faced by wildfire victims and facilitate their recovery process.
