When Refugees Can’t Afford the Care They Need
Wency Leung with photography by Chloë Ellingson, The Local, 29/4/2026
Diana Gallego, the co-executive director of Toronto’s FCJ Refugee Centre, worries about the changes that the federal government is making to its Interim Federal Health Program. She’s worried it will mean refugees and asylum seekers won’t get the medicine or dental work or eye exams they need. And in particular, she’s worried those requiring mental health counselling won’t be able to get it.
Every Monday, known as “intake day” at her centre, newcomers pack into the waiting room of the converted brick house, near Dufferin Street and St. Clair Avenue West. They come looking for advice on how to apply for legal aid or how to find transitional housing, to sign up for English classes, to visit the primary health clinic, or access the other programs and services the centre provides.