OTTAWA –New Democrats are calling on the Conservative government to listen to the growing chorus of doctors, health experts and former refugees and condemn planned cuts the Interim Federal Health (IFH) Program for refugees
“I am calling on the government to have a heart and reverse this decision before it comes into effect at the end of June,” said New Democrat critic for Immigration Jinny Sims (Newton – North Delta). “Our country was built on the idea that we all have a responsibility to take care of one another – especially the vulnerable. Unfortunately, the Conservatives are targeting a basic Canadian value.”
In April, the Conservatives announced changes to the Interim Federal Health (IFH) Program which provides temporary health benefits to refugees. The cuts will effectively deny access to health care for many legitimate refugees or claimants who have limited or no financial means.
“It’s unconscionable to think the Conservatives would deny refugees the basic right of health care,” said Sadia Groguhé (Saint-Lambert), the NDP Deputy Critic for Immigration. “They are playing politics with people’s lives.”
Groguhé compared the cuts to the Conservative Bill C-31.
“The Conservatives are using divisive and mean-spirited politics to try and turn Canadians against refugees and punish people in dire need of our help.”
