Free important document replacements offered to wildfire victims

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A Canadian passport – the type of important document that can be replaced for free for victims of wildfire. (Canva)

OTTAWA, O.N. — The federal government is taking steps to help people who have lost important documents as a result of wildfires this year.

Lena Diab, the federal minister of immigration, refugees and citizenship, announced special measures to help people displaced by wildfires like the ones that saw evacuations ordered in the Peace region earlier this year.

According to Diab’s announcement, Canadian citizens and permanent residents whose documents like passports, citizenship certificates and permanent resident cards were lost or damaged because of wildfires this year can apply for free replacements.

Additionally, anyone who lost those documents to a wildfire and paid to have them replaced after April 1st can request a refund.

Temporary residents, like international students and temporary workers, who were impacted by wildfires can also apply to restore or extend their status in Canada or renew their permits free of charge.

The 90-day requirement for temporary residents to apply for the restoration of their status is also being waived for people impacted by wildfires, and foreign emergency workers coming to help fight wildfires in Canada are having their application and biometric fees waived.

2024 saw nearly 800 foreign emergency workers come to Canada to assist in wildfire suppression efforts.

“These measures will make it easier for Canadian citizens, permanent residents and temporary residents to replace lost documents,” Diab said in her announcement on July 2nd.

“They will also help foreign emergency services personnel come to Canada and begin their critical work more quickly, when they are needed most. I’d like to extend my gratitude to the emergency and first responders for their dedication to protect our communities.”

These changes will remain in effect until November 30th. More information regarding the new measures can be found on the federal government’s website.

Keep up to date with wildfires in northeast B.C. by visiting Energeticcity.ca’s forest fire news page.