Question Period Note: NATURAL DISASTERS ACROSS CANADA

Employment and Social Development Canada (ESDC) has implemented procedures to ensure timely delivery of benefits and services to those affected by natural disasters.

• The Government of Canada takes the safety of all Canadians seriously and continues to deliver benefits and services to those affected by natural disasters during difficult times.

• In the event of a natural disaster, Service Canada supports impacted communities and works with local and Indigenous partners to ensure continued service delivery, including outreach to evacuees, support for benefit applications (e.g. OAS, GIS, CPP, EI) at evacuation centres and replacement of documents.

• Individuals affected by natural disasters can use ESDC’s eServiceCanada online platform to request a phone call about their benefits, or to book an appointment regarding passports or biometrics collection.

A natural disaster is a significant adverse event resulting from natural processes (or human activity) – such as wildfire, flood, hurricane, etc. that exceeds or overwhelms the community's ability to cope and may cause serious harm to the safety, health, welfare, property or environment of people.

The government is committed to supporting Canadians living through natural disasters by expediting measures that support Employment Insurance (EI) claims, assistance with Canada Pension Plan and Old Age Security benefits, and temporary foreign worker health and safety.
In addition to reaching out to impacted local communities and organizations, Service Canada officers are often present at evacuation centres to provide outreach services to evacuees.
Service Canada continues to serve all individuals in a way that meets their unique needs and addresses their specific service delivery requirements, especially when facing difficult situations.

Public Safety Canada plays a crucial role in coordinating emergency management with other federal and provincial/territorial governments and other key players, particularly in natural disasters.

If Pressed (Wildfires in Manitoba/Saskatchewan)

• In response to the extensive wildfires and evacuations in Manitoba and Saskatchewan, Service Canada is supporting evacuees in person at evacuation centres and working with Public Safety Canada to coordinate emergency assistance across various levels of government.

If Pressed (Support Measures and Additional Details)
• Individuals affected by natural disasters are strongly encouraged to apply for EI benefits promptly, even without a Record of Employment as these applications are prioritized.

• To expedite benefit payments, the Government encourages individuals to enrol in Direct Deposit.