Latest news with #supportmeasures
CTV News
3 days ago
- Politics
- CTV News
Canada introduces new measures for wildfire-affected communities amid record season
The Martin Lake fire burning northwest of Tatla Lake, B.C. is seen in this handout image on Monday, June 16, 2025. THE CANADIAN PRESS/Handout - BC Wildfire Service (Mandatory Credit) As one of the most destructive wildfire seasons continues to unfold across Canada, the federal government has unveiled new support measured aimed at helping people displaced or affected by the blazes. In a statement released Wednesday, Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC) said it will offer free replacements for Canadians and permanent residents who lost important documents in the wildfires, including passports and permanent resident cards. If they already paid to replace the documents on or after April 1, they can request a refund. For temporary residents affected by the wildfires, including international students and temporary foreign workers, they are also eligible for free replacements of immigration documents, as well as no-cost renewals or restoration of their work or study permit in Canada. 'The requirement for temporary residents to apply for the restoration of their status within 90 days of losing their status will also be waived for those impacted by wildfires,' the press release said. The federal government clarified that these measures do not apply to employer-specific work permit holders who wish to transition to an open work permit. This year's fire season — the second-worst on record in Canadian history — has seen wildfires consume 3.7 million hectares, six times the area of P.E.I. As of July, there are approximately 465 wildfires burning across the country, with several classified as 'out of control,' according to Canadian Interagency Forest Fire Centre. Application and biometric fees are also waived for foreign emergency services personnel coming to Canada to help fight the wildfires. All these measures are in effect until Nov. 30.
Japan Times
07-06-2025
- Politics
- Japan Times
Japanese universities step up to help international students after Harvard ban
Eighty-seven Japanese universities have announced support measures for international students in the United States, following an order barring Harvard University from accepting such students, the education ministry and the Japan Student Services Organization has said. The scope of students eligible for the support measures and the extent of such aid differ from university to university, they said Friday. Tohoku University said that it will accept undergraduates and graduate students enrolled in U.S. universities who face difficulties continuing their studies mainly due to the ban by U.S. President Donald Trump's administration. They will be accepted to the national university in northeastern Japan as nondegree students not required to pay tuition or enrollment fees. Many Japanese universities will accept those affected as regular students or nonregular occasional students, regardless of nationality or where they currently study. Some universities have said that such students will be exempt from tuition and be provided with lodging at dormitories. According to the student services organization, five other universities were considering support measures as of Friday. It will continue to update related information.
CNA
16-05-2025
- Business
- CNA
Singapore firms struggling with cash flow amid US tariffs
Singapore companies are struggling with cash flow, as their orders get delayed and customers miss payments. They have voiced these concerns to the Singapore Economic Resilience Taskforce chaired by Deputy Prime Minister Gan Kim Yong. Local firms are facing uncertainty over the effects of US tariffs and slowdown in the global economy. Mr Gan said the taskforce is keeping a close watch on local firms and support measures will be given, if needed. Nasyrah Rohim reports.
Malay Mail
10-05-2025
- Business
- Malay Mail
Singapore PM Wong pledges support for businesses hit by US tariffs, promises economic relief
SINGAPORE, May 10 — Singapore's Prime Minister Lawrence Wong said that addressing the economic situation and its impact on Singaporeans will be a key priority for his newly-elected government. Wong, who is also finance minister, said the Singapore Economic Resilience Task Force chaired by Deputy Prime Minister Gan Kim Yong has been actively meeting to develop the country's response plans. 'They will provide further updates when ready. DPM Gan is also continuing his discussions with US counterparts, exploring constructive ways to further our trade relations with America,' Wong said in a video uploaded to his YouTube channel, on Friday. Wong acknowledged growing concerns within the business community, citing findings from a recent Singapore Business Federation (SBF) survey. 'The survey found that four in five Singapore businesses are negatively impacted by the US tariffs, three in four project their revenues to decrease, and one in two say that they are holding back on new hiring in the next three months,' he noted. To mitigate the impact on jobs and prices, Wong said the government will begin rolling out a series of support measures announced in this year's Budget, including corporate tax rebate and cash grant which will be paid out this month. The prime minister said he is also focused on forming a renewed and strengthened team in the government to better serve the people and secure their future in these troubled times. 'The election results have made it clear that Singaporeans want a team that combines experience with fresh perspectives to take our country forward,' he said. Wong led the ruling People's Action Party (PAP) to a resounding victory in the May 3 general election — securing 87 out of 97 parliamentary seats, including five uncontested walkovers. — Bernama
