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Cost of health coverage for rejected asylum claimants topped $275M over last decade
Program costs climbed from about $10 million in 2016/17 to over $53 million in 2024/25, according to a government response.
- The immigration department reported that Canada spent more than $275 million on the Interim Federal Health Program for rejected asylum seekers between 2016/17 and 2024/25. Starting May 1, the government will impose a 30% co-pay for supplemental coverage and a $4 drug fee.
- Annual costs related to rejected IRB applications surged from about $10 million in 2016/17 to over $53 million in 2024/25, prompting the government to include cost-cutting measures in the federal budget. Rising figures drove Citizenship Canada's plan to reduce departmental spending by 15% over three years.
- Alberta Conservative MP Burton Bailey prompted the disclosure of these figures through an order paper question. The Interim Federal Health Program covers basic medical care, prescription drugs, and supplementary services including dental work, vision care, and counselling for claimants.
- Citizenship Canada plans to cut departmental costs by 15% over the next three years, with new fees on supplemental coverage applying to all program users. The $4 drug fee and 30% co-pay starting May 1 will affect recipients even during the appeal process.
- The Interim Federal Health Program covers refugees and protected persons until they qualify for provincial insurance or depart Canada, ensuring continuous support throughout the claims process. This broad coverage model explains the program's scale and the government's rationale for implementing cost-sharing measures.
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Canada Spent $275M on Health Care for Rejected Asylum Seekers Over 10 Years, Feds Say
Ottawa has spent upwards of $275 million in the last 10 years on health coverage for asylum seekers whose claims were turned down by the Immigration and Refugee Board of Canada, the immigration department says. The information was disclosed following an order paper inquiry by Conservative MP Burton Bailey. The government’s reply tracks the use of the Interim Federal Health Program (IFHP), which finances health care expenses for refugee claimants…
·New York, United States
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haltonhillstoday.ca+5 Reposted by 5 other sources
Federal health coverage for rejected asylum claimants topped $275M over last decade
OTTAWA — The Immigration Department says Canada spent more than $275 million on health coverage over the past decade for asylum seekers whose claims were rejected by the Immigration and Refugee Board of Canada.
·Halton Hills, Canada
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Coverage Details
Total News Sources24
Leaning Left15Leaning Right1Center3Last UpdatedBias Distribution79% Left
Bias Distribution
- 79% of the sources lean Left
79% Left
L 79%
C 16%
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