Following the devastating forest fire in Northern Alberta around the city of Fort McMurray, the government of Alberta has created a dedicated toll-free phone line for new immigrants, foreign workers, and applicants under the Alberta Immigrant Nominee Program (AINP) who have been displaced over recent days.

If you are a Temporary Foreign Worker, an AINP applicant, or a new immigrant who has been displaced by the fire, contact Immigrate to Alberta for information, toll-free in Alberta at 1.877.427.6419 or from outside of Alberta at 780.427.6419.

A massive wildfire forced more than 80,000 residents to flee the Fort McMurray last Tuesday, May 3. Unseasonably high temperatures, high winds, and dry conditions meant that the fire spread quickly, engulfing many homes and businesses in the process. However, no fatal casualties have resulted directly from the fire.

Over recent years, many immigrants to Canada, as well as a large number of temporary foreign workers, moved to Fort McMurray, attracted by a booming economy in the oil sands of Northern Alberta, which has some of the largest oil deposits in the world.

Following the recent fire, media outlets reported that many immigrants and foreign workers in the area — including Syrian refugees who had only arrived in Canada over recent months — were quick to offer their assistance to individuals and families who have been displaced.

The video below shows the scale of destruction left by the fire.

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