April 16, 2026
Hon. Lena Diab, P.C., M.P.
Minister of Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship
House of Commons
Ottawa, Ontario K1A 0A6
Sent via email: IRCC.Minister-Ministre.IRCC@cic.gc.ca
CC: Hon. Marjorie Michel, P.C., M.P., Minister of Health
Dear Minister Lena Diab,
RE: Reconsideration of Co-Payments under the Interim Federal Health Program (IFHP)
On behalf of HEAL (Organizations for Health Action), a coalition of national health organizations representing healthcare providers and patients across Canada, we are writing to express serious concern regarding the changes to the Interim Federal Health Program (IFHP) announced by Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada on January 27, 2026.
The introduction of a $4 co-payment on prescription medications and a 30% co-payment on supplemental services, effective May 1, 2026, creates significant barriers to accessing essential care for refugees and asylum seekers. For individuals living in poverty, even modest out-of-pocket costs can function as a de facto denial of care, contradicting well-established evidence and the federal government’s broader commitment to universal access.
HEAL members report that many IFHP beneficiaries arrive in Canada with complex and untreated health needs, including chronic conditions and significant trauma. Services such as mental health care, dental and vision services, rehabilitation, and medical supplies—though labeled “supplemental”—are essential to preventing deterioration and avoiding acute system pressures.
The impact on children, youth, and families is particularly concerning. Those with chronic or complex conditions depend on consistent access to medications, therapies, and medical equipment. These new costs will place necessary care out of reach for many.
These measures are also unlikely to reduce costs. Delayed or forgone care will lead to worsening health outcomes, increased use of emergency services, and higher downstream system costs. Similar IFHP changes in 2012 were ultimately reversed after proving harmful and ineffective. The introduction of copayments will also add administrative burden across already strained providers, further limiting access.
HEAL respectfully urges the Government of Canada to:
- Reverse the introduction of co-payments under the IFHP; and
- Work with providers and stakeholders to ensure the program remains accessible, effective, and aligned with Canada’s commitments to health equity.
HEAL and its members would welcome the opportunity to support improvements to the IFHP that protect access to care for those most in need.
Thank you for your consideration.
Sincerely,
On behalf of the following member organizations of HEAL (Organizations for Health Action):
Canadian Association of Community Health Centres
Canadian Association of Medical Radiation Technologists
Canadian Association of Midwives
Canadian Association of Occupational Therapy
Canadian Association of Optometrists
Canadian Association of Radiologists
Canadian Association for Interventional Radiology
Canadian Association of Social Workers
Canadian Chiropractic Association
Canadian College of Health Leaders
Canadian Counselling and Psychotherapy Association
Canadian Dental Assistants' Association
Canadian Dental Association
Canadian Dental Hygienists Association
Canadian Kinesiology Alliance
Canadian Massage Therapist Association
Canadian Medical Association
Canadian Nurses Association
Canadian Ophthalmological Society
Canadian Orthopaedic Association
Canadian Paediatric Society
Canadian Physiotherapy Association
Canadian Podiatric Medical Association
Canadian Psychiatric Association
Canadian Psychological Association
Canadian Society for Medical Laboratory Science
Canadian Society of Nutrition Management
Canadian Society of Palliative Medicine
Canadian Society of Respiratory Therapists
Canadian Support Workers Association
Children's Healthcare Canada
College of Family Physicians of Canada
Denturist Association of Canada
Dietitians of Canada
HealthCareCAN
Opticians Association of Canada
Palliative Physicians' Association of Canada
Pallium Canada
Paramedic Association of Canada
Pediatric Chairs of Canada
Royal College of Physicians and Surgeons of Canada
Sonography Canada
Speech-Language and Audiology Canada