On July 25, the Honourable Sean Fraser, Minister of Immigration, Refugees, and Citizenship Canada (IRCC), unveiled crucial measures to aid those impacted by the recent floods in Nova Scotia. International students, temporary foreign workers, and other visitors whose status is set to expire by November 30, 2023, and have been directly affected by the floods can now seek assistance.
Individuals in this category can apply for a free extension or restoration of their status in Canada through the Ministry of IRCC. This means that temporary employees unable to work due to flooded workplaces need not worry, as they can extend their stay until their place of employment reopens.
Additionally, overseas students facing postponed or canceled lessons have the option to extend their study permits without incurring any extra fees, ensuring they can complete their degrees smoothly during this challenging time.
These extraordinary measures will remain in effect until November 30, 2023, offering Canadians, permanent residents, and temporary residents the opportunity to focus on their families, homes, and communities while addressing any documentation or status-related concerns.
Furthermore, those who have been directly impacted by the flooding in Nova Scotia, including Canadians, permanent residents, and temporary residents, are eligible to receive free replacement papers from IRCC. This assistance covers documents like permanent resident cards, evidence of citizenship, Canadian citizenship certificates, Canadian passports, and other travel papers lost, damaged, destroyed, or rendered unavailable due to the disaster.
In response to the emergency in Nova Scotia, the Honourable Bill Blair, Minister of Emergency Preparedness, approved a Request for Federal Assistance from the province on Sunday, July 23. The Canadian Armed Forces, including CH-149 Cormorant search and rescue helicopters from 14 Wing Greenwood, supported RCMP-led search and rescue operations.
Moreover, the Canadian Coast Guard (CCG) and the Royal Canadian Mounted Police (RCMP) have been actively involved in assisting the flood relief efforts. Hants has received personnel and equipment, including helicopters, from the Canadian Coast Guard to address the situation. In the event of restricted access to remote coastal communities, small vessels are on standby to provide assistance.
Transport Canada has deployed National Aerial Surveillance Program (NASP) aircraft to assess damage to roads, bridges, critical infrastructure, and watershed impacts, providing real-time information to aid in the response efforts.
Indigenous Services Canada (ISC) is also offering support through the Emergency Management Assistance Program to First Nation communities in their preparedness, mitigation, response, and rehabilitation efforts to bolster their capacity to respond effectively to emergencies like flooding.
The government’s comprehensive response aims to provide aid and relief to those affected by the floods in Nova Scotia, emphasizing the importance of supporting individuals and communities during this trying time.