A startling surge in healthcare costs for failed asylum seekers is raising questions about Canada’s immigration system. Over the last decade, the Immigration Department has spent over $275 million providing medical care to individuals whose refugee claims were ultimately denied.
The figures, revealed through a formal request for information, paint a dramatic picture of escalating expenses. In the 2016-17 fiscal year, just over $10 million was allocated to medical care for these claimants. By the current fiscal year, that number has ballooned to over $53 million – a staggering 427% increase.
The bulk of these costs cover essential services like doctor visits and hospital stays, totaling $32 million in the latest year. An additional $22 million went towards supplemental care, encompassing vital needs often excluded from provincial health plans, such as prescription medications, dental work, and vision care.
A critical gap in the data prevents a full understanding of the situation. Attempts to determine how many of these individuals had active deportation orders were unsuccessful, as the program’s database doesn’t currently track this crucial information.
The Interim Federal Health Program was established to provide medical coverage to refugee claimants until they qualify for provincial healthcare or their claim is finalized. Enrollment is automatic upon claiming refugee status, offering a safety net during a vulnerable period.
However, changes are coming. A new co-pay system is set to launch on May 1st, requiring beneficiaries to pay $4 for each prescription and 30% of the costs for supplemental health services. This shift aims to address the financial strain on the program.
Alongside rising costs, the number of rejected refugee claims has also seen a significant increase. In 2016-17, 4,375 claims were denied. This number steadily climbed, reaching a peak of 19,771 last year – a 352% increase over the decade.
These converging trends – escalating healthcare expenses and a growing number of rejected claimants – underscore a complex challenge within Canada’s immigration framework, demanding closer scrutiny and potential systemic adjustments.
