The Canadian Press reports, “Manitoba will help refugees access health benefits the federal government recently took away. Health Minister Theresa Oswald said in a prepared statement that the province doesn’t agree with the cut because it’s hurting families and will lead to longer-term and more expensive problems. …Oswald said the province will add up the bill and send it to the federal health minister.”
On June 30, the Harper government implemented cuts to health care for refugees in Canada. Council of Canadians health care campaigner Adrienne Silnicki writes, “These cuts include access to vision care, dental care, prescription drugs and mobility devices for all refugees. For many refugees it also includes restrictions on primary and basic health care. This includes medical assistance during emergencies like heart attacks and even during child birth.”
Hopefully more provinces will follow Manitoba’s lead on this issue. The news about Manitoba’s action can be read at http://www.ipolitics.ca/2012/09/13/manitoba-to-cover-refugee-health-benefits-send-ottawa-the-bill/.
