Category: Health
Canada is facing mounting pressure from healthcare professionals and refugee advocates to reverse planned cuts to a federal healthcare programme for refugees and asylum seekers, with demonstrations held across the country ahead of the changes scheduled for May 1. Protesters gathered in Toronto on Tuesday during a national day of action opposing reductions to the Interim Federal Health Program (IFHP), warning that the measures could restrict access to essential care for vulnerable newcomers.
The Canadian government announced in January that beneficiaries of the IFHP would soon be required to contribute to healthcare costs through new co-payments. Under the revised policy, refugees and asylum claimants will pay $4 for eligible prescription medications and cover 30 percent of supplemental services including dental care, vision treatment and counselling. Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada said the changes are intended to manage rising demand and maintain the programme’s long-term sustainability while aligning benefits with other publicly funded insurance systems.
Doctors and refugee rights groups argue that even modest fees could create significant barriers for people already struggling with high living costs and the challenges of resettlement. Critics say the policy risks discouraging refugees from seeking preventative treatment, potentially leading to worsening health conditions and greater long-term strain on Canada’s healthcare system. The Canadian Medical Association warned earlier this year that untreated medical issues could eventually increase emergency and hospital care costs, while also adding administrative burdens for frontline healthcare providers.
The debate comes amid broader political and economic pressures surrounding immigration in Canada. Public concerns over housing shortages and the rising cost of living have intensified scrutiny of immigration levels in recent years. Since taking office in 2025, Prime Minister Mark Carney’s government has introduced measures aimed at reducing pressure on the immigration system, including cuts to temporary visas and tighter asylum restrictions. At the same time, Ottawa is pursuing major public spending reductions as part of a broader effort to curb government expenditures.
Government figures show the cost of the IFHP rose sharply from 211 million Canadian dollars in 2020-2021 to 896 million Canadian dollars in 2024-2025 as beneficiary numbers increased. Federal officials estimate the planned reforms could save more than 126 million Canadian dollars in 2026-2027 and over 231 million Canadian dollars annually thereafter. Opponents, however, note that similar healthcare cuts introduced under former Prime Minister Stephen Harper in 2012 were eventually overturned following a Federal Court ruling that deemed the measures unconstitutional. Those earlier cuts were rescinded after the Liberal government led by Justin Trudeau took office in 2015.