My passport will expire in less than 6 months

Yes, they are - they will not issue visas. Its a worldwide protocol.

I don't need a visa anyway.

OK lets call it an entry permit. e.g. into Cambodia, etc.

I would send an email to one of your embassies in the area and ask them about your options.

Example

https://www.evisa.gov.kh/

Tourist Visa

Entry Type Single entry only
Fees USD30 + USD7 (processing charge)
Validity 3 months (starting from the date of issue)
Length of Stay 30 days (more) 
Processing time 3 business days
Requirement A passport validity of more than six months balance at time of entry, a recent passport-size photo in digital format (JPEG or PNG format), a valid credit card (Visa/MasterCard).

I dont know about laos , but renewing it from Phnom penh takes 30 days as u have to send it to bangkok, from the Australian embassy ( agreement with Canada) . If yiu dont choose to so that renewal , then u  had better quickly find a resting spot u like in a country u like ,until you want to return to Canada , as u may Not get to Have freedom of travel ..  Do u have a return ticket to Canada and where does that ticket start from back to Canada ? That would be my initial concern that i may not be able to get back for my flight ! UP TO U , as to how risk sensitive u are!