OTTAWA — Most Canadian travellers don’t understand that Ottawa’s travel alerts can void their travel insurance and don’t know how embassies can help them while abroad, says a new survey commissioned by the foreign service. The department paid market research firm Strategic Counsel to survey 1,850 Canadians in January on what they know about consular services and the advisories and information Ottawa publishes to help people prepare for travel. The report found that while Canadians are receptive to travel advice, few proactively check on what Ottawa publishes or register for updates. The federal government recommends that all Canadians travelling abroad make Ottawa aware of their plans through the Registration of Canadians Abroad database, which allows embassies to send safety information through emails and text messages. The survey report notes that 38 per cent of respondents “believe permanent residents are eligible to receive services.”