Canada faces calls to rescind planned cuts to refugee healthcare scheme
Al Jazeera·2h ago·Fear
What Happened
Canada's government plans to introduce co-payments for refugee and asylum seeker healthcare starting May 1. Refugees will pay $4 per prescription and 30 percent of supplemental services like dental and vision care. Rallies across Canada oppose the cuts, with doctors and advocates warning vulnerable newcomers cannot afford these costs. The government says changes will save $126.8 million Canadian dollars annually. Critics argue reduced healthcare access will increase long-term costs.
Key Entities
CanadaInterim Federal Health Program (IFHP)Prime Minister Mark CarneyImmigration, Refugees and Citizenship CanadaDr Ritika GoelAisling BondyCanadian Association of Refugee LawyersToronto