Misinformation is driving the debate over refugee health care

In practice, access to care under the IFHP is often far more limited than critics suggest.

Instead of resorting to misinformation and us-versus-them rhetoric, policymakers should work toward expanding universal health care so that all Canadians can access the care they need, writes Y.Y. Brandon Chen. Photograph courtesy of Pexels/Thirdman

Opinion

BY Y.Y. BRANDON CHEN

June 17, 2026

The Interim Federal Health Program, which provides health-care coverage to refugees and refugee claimants, has become the latest target in Canada's increasingly polarized immigration debate. In February, Conservative Members of Parliament introduced

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