Canada Faces Calls to Rescind Planned Cuts to Refugee Healthcare Scheme

Health workers and human rights advocates across Canada are urging the government to reverse planned cuts to the Interim Federal Health Program (IFHP), which provides basic health coverage to refugees and asylum seekers. Scheduled to take effect on May 1, 2026, the changes introduce a $4 co-payment for eligible prescription medications and require beneficiaries to cover 30 percent of costs for supplemental services, including dental, vision, and counseling. Critics argue these measures amount to a de facto denial of care for vulnerable populations who have experienced trauma and are struggling with the high cost of living. Demonstrations were held in Toronto and other cities as part of a national day of action. While Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada states the co-payments are necessary to manage demand and ensure the program's long-term sustainability, medical professionals warn that even modest fees may discourage essential healthcare seeking. The controversy arises amid shifting public opinion on immigration in Canada, with recent polls indicating growing concern over arrival numbers. Advocates emphasize the need for a universal healthcare system that supports rather than penalizes migrants and refugees during their resettlement process.