02-07-2025
Federal government waiving costs to replace important documents lost in wildfires
Trees burned by wildfires in northern Manitoba are shown during a helicopter tour in the surrounding area of Flin Flon, Man., on Thursday, June 12, 2025. THE CANADIAN PRESS/Mike Deal-Pool
The Canadian government is working to help people replace important documents that were lost in wildfires.
The government announced on Wednesday that if people's passports, citizenship certificates, permanent resident cards or other travel documents were lost, damaged or inaccessible because of wildfires, they will be able to apply for free replacements.
Status documents for temporary residents can also be restored. As well, applying to restore or extend their status will be done for free.
If people have already replaced any of these documents after April 1, they can apply for a refund.
Also, application and biometric fees for foreign emergency services personnel who are helping fight wildfires will be waived.
'These measures will make it easier for Canadian citizens, permanent residents and temporary residents to replace lost documents. They will also help foreign emergency services personnel come to Canada and begin their critical work more quickly, when they are needed most,' said Metlege Diab, the federal minister of immigration, refugees and citizenship, in a statement.
These waived costs will be in effect until Nov. 30. More details can be found online.
