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In a bold move that underscores the ongoing debate regarding immigration and public services, the Conservative Party has announced plans to table a motion in the House of Commons aimed at reviewing the health benefits available to asylum seekers. This proposed motion, set for discussion on Tuesday, also calls for the immediate deportation of foreign nationals who have been convicted of crimes while in Canada. Conservative Leader Pierre Poilievre articulated his party’s stance through a social media video on Monday, stating, “Enough is enough. We can’t allow foreign criminals to take advantage of our system and false refugee claims to overwhelm the services that you pay for.”
Proposed Changes to Health Benefits
The Conservative motion seeks to initiate a comprehensive review of the interim federal health program, which currently provides a wide range of medical services to asylum seekers, refugees, and other protected persons. These services encompass routine medical care, hospital visits, laboratory tests, and supplementary coverage for urgent dental procedures, vision care, psychological therapy, and prescription medications.
A recent report from the Parliamentary Budget Officer (PBO) predicts that the cost of this health program will soar to an estimated £1.5 billion annually by the fiscal year 2028-29. In light of this financial projection, the Conservatives are advocating for a more restrictive approach. Their motion proposes limiting healthcare coverage for those asylum seekers who are appealing rejected claims to emergency and life-saving interventions only. Additionally, it calls for an annual report to Parliament detailing the usage of the program, particularly concerning supplementary benefits that are not typically extended to Canadian citizens.
Rising Numbers of Asylum Seekers
The interim federal health program has seen a significant rise in beneficiaries, with numbers climbing from approximately 200,000 in 2020-21 to around 624,000 projected for 2024-25. A considerable portion of these beneficiaries are asylum claimants, with the Immigration and Refugee Board currently managing about 300,000 pending asylum claims. Interestingly, data from Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada indicates a decline in asylum claims, falling by nearly a third in 2025 to just under 108,000, down from about 190,000 in the previous year.
In response to inquiries from Conservative MPs, Immigration Minister Lena Metlege Diab highlighted these figures during a recent question period. She assured Parliament that significant reforms are underway, including the introduction of Bill C-12, which aims to enhance the processing of asylum claims and curb potential abuse of the system. Among its provisions, the bill would render certain individuals ineligible for asylum claims, specifically those who have been in Canada for over a year or those who wait more than 14 days to apply after entering through a land border.
Financial Measures and Historical Context
The federal government is also poised to implement a co-pay system for supplementary coverage and prescription drugs under the interim federal health program, set to take effect on May 1. This initiative, first introduced in the November federal budget, aims to achieve a 15% reduction in costs over the next three years. Under the new structure, claimants will be responsible for 30% of the costs associated with supplementary services, including dental and vision care, as well as a nominal fee of £4 for each eligible prescription filled.
Historically, restrictions on supplementary coverage were imposed during former Prime Minister Stephen Harper’s administration, targeting privately sponsored refugee claimants and those who claimed asylum after arriving in Canada. However, a 2014 Federal Court ruling deemed these changes a violation of the Canadian Charter of Rights and Freedoms. While the Conservatives initially appealed this decision, the Liberal government, upon taking office in 2015, chose to withdraw the appeal and restore the previously expanded health benefits.
Tackling Criminal Activity Among Foreign Nationals
On the issue of crime, Mr. Poilievre asserted that the Conservative motion aims to ensure that judges impose “the full sentence” on foreign nationals convicted of crimes. Furthermore, the motion advocates for the complete deportation of non-citizens found guilty of offences. Current Canadian laws permit the deportation of foreign nationals and permanent residents convicted of crimes with maximum sentences of ten years, regardless of the actual sentence length, and for those sentenced to more than six months in prison. Individuals facing removal under these laws retain access to appeal processes.
Why it Matters
The Conservative Party’s proposed motion reflects a broader societal concern over immigration and its implications for public services. As the nation grapples with rising costs and the perceived strain on healthcare resources, the debate surrounding the treatment of asylum seekers and foreign criminals will likely intensify. This motion not only seeks to reshape healthcare access for vulnerable populations but also raises critical questions about the balance between humanitarian obligations and fiscal responsibility. The outcome of these discussions could have lasting effects on Canada’s immigration policies and the future well-being of those seeking refuge within its borders.
