ENGLISH
Access to Healthcare Is Essential
April 2026
Refugee 613 joins the growing movement across Canada asking the federal government to reverse the recently announced changes to the Interim Federal Health Program (IFHP). Here’s why, and how you can raise your voice to join thousands across Canada for a national day of action on Tuesday, April 14th, urging the government to make No Cuts To Care.
IFHP is a longstanding federal program that provides basic health coverage to refugees and asylum seekers during their critical early months in Canada, while they wait to qualify for provincial health care. It’s important to understand how these changes — scheduled to take effect on May 1 — will end up costing Canadians more in the long run, while making newcomers sicker.
The new rules will force newly arrived refugees to pay 30% of the cost for services such as dental care and mental health support, as well as a $4 fee for a single prescription. It may not sound like much, but the effect will be that refugees across our city will lose much of their access to basic healthcare.
Even small healthcare costs can create impossible choices. A $4 prescription fee for a child’s medication may mean giving up money needed for food or transportation. Having to pay part of the cost for services like dental care or counselling, for example $30 on a $100 service, can be enough to stop someone from seeking the care they need.
When people cannot access healthcare, it affects every part of their life. A child who cannot see properly without glasses may struggle to focus in class. Children living with chronic conditions such as asthma or diabetes depend on medications and medical supplies to stay healthy, yet the new co-payments could make these life-sustaining treatments impossible to afford. A family may need several prescriptions on a regular basis, adding $24 to their monthly bills just to maintain their health. Someone living with trauma may be forced to go without counseling because of the cost, even when the need is urgent. Without care, their ability to work, study, and settle is deeply affected.
Health is a foundation for thriving and belonging. When newcomers can access the care they need, they are better able to learn, work and contribute to their communities.
We urge the government to reverse these new fees and take immediate steps to remove barriers to essential healthcare for refugees. A strong and welcoming community is one where all its residents can get the support they need to live with dignity and hope.
Healthcare providers and refugee advocates, through the No Cuts to Care Coalition, are organizing a Day of Action on Parliament Hill on April 14 to show support for equitable access to healthcare.
Date: April 14, 2026
Time: 12:00–1:00 pm
Location: Centennial Flame on Parliament Hill
And we urge you to learn more about the human cost of these cuts by reading further and joining the movement saying No Cuts to Care.