*Alexa, define "consular services."
You might have seen this term while planning a trip. What are
consular services?
OTTAWA,
ON, Aug. 8, 2024 /CNW/ - Consular services are
what Canadian officers at 260 points of service around the world
can do to help you while you're outside Canada. You can also reach consular services
through the 24/7 Emergency Watch and Response Centre in
Ottawa.
Canadians love to travel, and most of the time they come home
happy and healthy. If things go wrong during a trip, though, they
can reach out to Canadian officers abroad for help.
Most commonly, consular officers help Canadian travellers like
you with diverse services, such as replacing a passport, notarizing
documents and voting in Canadian elections while abroad.
You may, however, find yourself in need of more complicated
assistance, such as during a medical emergency, finding a missing
friend or relative or understanding the local law.
In case of a medical emergency, Canadian officers can give you a
list of local doctors and hospitals, but it's important to remember
that they can't cover medical expenses or provide medical
services.
If you are arrested in another country, Canadian consular
officers can provide you with a list of lawyers and general
information on the local legal and prison systems.
Claudie, one of our consular officers, says:
"We approach each meeting with an intention to help but are
limited in what we can do, being in countries with different sets
of laws, customs and socio-legal systems. I think it's important
for Canadians to understand that our role is to assist and guide
them—but not act on their behalf."
Specifically, officials can't post bail, give legal advice or
pay legal fees. They also can't get Canadians out of a foreign
prison.
"It's very important for Canadian citizens to understand that
each country's legal system is different and that we cannot change
another country's laws, how they are applied or how lawyers will
work to defend them," explains Claudie.
Each situation is unique and has certain circumstances that
Canadian officers need to consider. They will do what they can
within the limits of local laws and regulations, and as outlined in
the Canadian Consular Services Charter.
Canadian consular officers are highly professional and committed
individuals who aim to provide the best advice and service
possible, but at the end of the day, there are limits to what
consular services they can provide, and you may have to pay for
some of them.
Before travelling, you should know the contact information for
the Government of Canada office
closest to your destination, read the Travel Advice and Advisories
for your destination and sign up for the free Registration of
Canadians Abroad service, so that consular officers can reach you
in case of emergency.
Additional information
Visit travel.gc.ca for more information, including:
- About consular services - What are Canadian consular
services?
- Canadian Consular Services Charter
- Registration of Canadians Abroad service
- Embassies and consulates by destination
- https://travel.gc.ca/assistance/emergency-assistance
SOURCE Global Affairs Canada