FCJ Refugee Centre joined healthcare providers, refugees and community members this Friday in Toronto to call on the federal government to reverse the announced cuts to the Interim Federal Health Program (IFHP) refugee healthcare coverage.

The federal government has cut 15% of the refugee healthcare budget and is introducing unaffordable co-payments for essential healthcare, including medications, mental health counselling, physical therapy, and vision care.

These cuts take effect May 1, 2026, and will immediately harm refugees, who are already struggling to meet basic needs, like food and housing.

These co-payments function as a denial of care – refugees’ health will worsen, more individuals will unnecessarily end up in already strained emergency departments and hospitals, and health care costs will rise. Financially, the co-payment plan will cost Canada more, not less.

Gallery (29 pictures):

Sign and amplify these petitions calling on the government to stop cuts to refugee healthcare. Once you sign it, send to 5 friends and ask them to pass it on!

• Canadian Medical Association:
  https://www.cma.ca/get-involved/health-advocacy
• Canadian Pediatric Society:
  https://cps.ca/en/advocacy-defense/speak-out-protecting-ifhp-benefits
• Migrant Rights Network:
  https://migrantrights.ca/actionslist/stopifhpcuts/
• Canadian Council for Refugees:
  https://www.ccrweb.ca/en/act-now-write-your-mp-stop-cuts-refugee-healthcare