Temporary public policy for foreign emergency services personnel entering Canada to support response to wildfires in 2024

Background

Every year, typically between May and September, wildfires burn in Canada’s forests. Last year, Canada experienced wildfires of an unprecedented magnitude across the country, and firefighters from around the world were called in for support. Many Canadian residents lost their homes and livelihoods. The Canadian Interagency Forest Fire Centre (CIFFC) negotiates agreements with other countries to expedite the arrival of foreign emergency services personnel like firefighters, who typically need to be on the ground as soon s possible. Based on early modeling of weather trends, the Government of Canada forecasts a potentially catastrophic 2024 wildfire season and is proactively preparing to respond.

Public policy considerations

In recognition of the crucial role of foreign emergency services personnel, including firefighters, in the response to Canada’s wildfire season, this public policy will waive certain application fees to facilitate their arrival.

I hereby establish that, pursuant to my authority under section 25.2 of the Immigration and Refugee Protection Act (The Act), there are public policy considerations that justify the granting of exemptions from the provisions of the Immigration and Refugee Protection Regulations (the Regulations) listed below to foreign nationals who meet the conditions (eligibility criteria) set out below.

Conditions (eligibility requirements)

Based on public policy considerations, delegated officers may grant exemptions from the requirements of the Regulations listed below, if the following conditions are met:

The foreign national:

1. Has been selected by the Canadian Interagency Forest Fire Centre, a Canadian province or territory, or an entity representing emergency services personnel in their home country to enter Canada as an emergency services personnel during the 2024 wildfire season for the purposes of responding to the wildfires; and
2. has submitted an application for a temporary resident visa (TRV) between July 19, 2024 and November 30, 2024.

Provisions of the Regulations for which an exemption may be granted

• Subsection 296(1) – the requirements to pay an application processing fee for a Temporary Resident Visa; and
• Subsection 315.1(1) of the Regulations – the requirement to pay for the provision of service in relation to the collection of biometric information.

Other Admissibility and Selection Criteria

Foreign nationals eligible under this public policy are subject to all other legislative admissibility and selection requirements not exempted under this, or another, public policy.

Concepts and Definitions applicable to this Public Policy

For the purpose of this public policy, a wildfire is defined as an event that is documented in the Canadian Interagency Forest Fire Centre’s list of forest fires (https://ciffc.net/national).

Effective Date and Expiration

This public policy comes into effect on July 19, 2024 and applies to applications received on or after the date it comes into effect.

This public policy expires on November 30, 2024. It may be revoked at any time without prior notice.