IRCC will provide assistance to flooding victims in Nova Scotia

Nova Scotia faced devastating sediment and flooding last week, and the Government of Canada is urgently mobilizing its forces to help the province's residents and others affected by the disaster. This includes people who will be directly involved in Nova Scotia's recovery from the disaster.

Sean Fraser — the current Minister of Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship, soon to be replaced by Mark Miller — has announced special measures for people affected by the flooding who need to have vital documents restored or have their status extended and restored in Canada.

Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC) will issue new identity and status documents free of charge to Canadians, permanent and temporary residents living in Nova Scotia and directly affected by the flooding. These documents include permanent resident cards, proof of citizenship, certificates of citizenship, passports, and other documents that were lost, damaged, destroyed, or rendered inaccessible as a result of the floods.

International students, temporary foreign workers, and other visitors affected by the Nova Scotia disaster and whose status expires before November 30 of this year can also apply for free reinstatement or extension of their status in Canada. This means that temporary workers who are unable to work due to the closure of their workplace due to flooding will be able to extend their status and remain in the country until that same workplace reopens. In addition, international students will be able to renew their study permit if classes are delayed, or canceled and complete their studies when classes resume without fear of fines and penalties.

These measures will be in effect until November 30th of this year. IRCC wants to give Canadians, permanent and temporary residents the opportunity to focus on what matters most right now and then take care of the paperwork. As a reminder, similar assistance has been offered to people affected by the wildfires.