Newfoundland and Labrador is asking Ottawa to extend Employment Insurance benefits and increase work permit flexibility for workers displaced by unprecedented wildfires in the province.
Jobs Minister Gerry Byrne made the request to federal Minister Patty Hajdu on August 14, seeking similar support provided to workers in other provinces during wildfire emergencies, according to the provincial government.
“Workers who are displaced and impacted financially must get the necessary EI supports and work permit flexibility they require during this challenging time,” Byrne said in a statement. “That is why we are calling on the Federal Government to respond as it has for workers and their families in other parts of Canada.”
The wildfires have displaced many individuals and families while disrupting access to workplaces, resulting in financial hardship and uncertainty, the government said.
Three specific requests made to Ottawa
The provincial government is requesting expedited processing of EI claims for individuals experiencing employment interruptions due to wildfires, according to the announcement.
Newfoundland and Labrador also wants Ottawa to extend a pilot project established for Alberta and Manitoba in 2024 that provided a one-time credit of 300 insurable hours to wildfire-affected workers.
The province is asking for reinstatement of 2024 special measures that allowed employer-specific work permit holders to transition to open work permits if their workplace closed due to wildfires.
Immigration program participants affected
As of August 13, an estimated 227 nominees and endorsees under provincial immigration programs are located within wildfire evacuation order and alert zones, the government said. This figure does not include Temporary Foreign Workers and may increase if further evacuations are required.
The requests come in addition to recently announced EI flexibilities already in place to assist Canadians impacted by tariffs, including waived waiting periods and changes to the Work-Sharing Program, according to the province.
Provincial response continues
The provincial government has partnered with the Canadian Red Cross and Salvation Army to deliver immediate support and is using all available resources to assist those affected, the announcement said.
Byrne acknowledged federal support already provided, including Canadian Armed Forces and Coast Guard aircraft and personnel.
The minister said the extension of benefits and increased flexibility has been made available in the past to workers in other parts of Canada impacted by wildfires.
