April 14, 2026
The Canadian Council for Refugees (CCR) strongly denounces the imminent cuts to the Interim Federal Health Program (IFHP) starting on May 1, 2026, through the introduction of co-payments. Under the changes, individuals will be required to pay $4 for each prescription filled or refilled and cover 30% of the cost of supplemental health benefits such as dental and vision care and mental health counselling.
The cuts affect refugees resettled to Canada (both Government Assisted Refugees and Privately Sponsored Refugees), as well as refugee claimants.
Co-payments create financial barriers that will put critical health care services out of reach for refugees. Co-payments also create administrative burdens that mean many service providers are no longer willing to serve these populations. Refugees often have significant mental and physical health needs due to trauma and lack of access to medical care during their perilous journey to safety in Canada, or while waiting long periods in precarious situations for resettlement to Canada. The IFHP is a critical source of support, and the new fees will have the effect of denying access to healthcare.
As warned by doctors, medical professionals and civil society organizations, failing to treat acute and chronic medical conditions in a timely manner will result in more complex conditions. When refugees, who already face various financial barriers, are unable to afford essential medical care, their conditions will deteriorate and they will be forced to go to already-strained emergency rooms. This is much more costly for the government than preventative care. Those with the least means and intersecting vulnerabilities—including women, LGBTQIA+ folk, and people with disabilities, will be the most harmed.
Equitable access to healthcare is imperative for refugees to build their lives in Canada on the right path. It allows people to focus on working, enrolling their children in school, and building the fabric of our communities. We are proud to be a country that welcomes refugees and we expect our leaders to carry on that legacy and make this a place where all families can thrive — not deny access to essential care.
We have been here before. In 2014, the Federal Court concluded that the IFHP cuts made by the government caused “cruel and unusual treatment,” forcing the government to reverse the cuts. In a time when global displacement is at an unprecedented level, Canada must show leadership and protect those who need it the most. Increasing the barriers for refugees to access healthcare takes Canada in the wrong direction. CCR urges the federal government to immediately reverse these cuts to ensure refugees are treated with dignity.