In a significant political move, the Conservative Party is set to introduce a motion in the House of Commons aimed at reassessing the health benefits available to asylum seekers in Canada. The proposal seeks to tighten access to these services and expedite the deportation of foreign nationals convicted of crimes in the country. Conservative Leader Pierre Poilievre voiced his party’s stance in a video released on social media, emphasising a need to protect the integrity of the Canadian health system.
Motion Details and Implications
The proposed motion, to be presented on Tuesday, outlines a comprehensive review of the interim federal health program, which currently provides a range of medical services to asylum seekers, refugees, and other protected individuals. This program includes essential medical care such as hospital visits, lab work, urgent dental procedures, and psychological support. According to the Parliamentary Budget Officer (PBO), the financial burden of this programme is projected to reach an alarming £1.5 billion annually by the fiscal year 2028-29.
In his address, Poilievre stated, “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.” His comments reflect growing concerns regarding the increasing number of individuals reliant on these health benefits, with approximately 624,000 beneficiaries recorded in 2024-25, a significant rise from about 200,000 in 2020-21.
Proposed Restrictions on Asylum Seekers
The Conservative motion calls for an immediate review of health benefits extended to asylum claimants, proposing that those appealing rejected claims should only receive emergency medical care. In addition, the motion recommends the introduction of annual reporting to Parliament focused specifically on supplementary benefits, which are typically not available to Canadian citizens.
The Immigration and Refugee Board currently faces a backlog of around 300,000 pending asylum claims, while recent data indicate a decrease in new claims, dropping to approximately 108,000 in 2025 from around 190,000 the previous year. Immigration Minister Lena Metlege Diab highlighted these statistics during a question period, affirming that the government is actively working to reform the asylum process through Bill C-12, aimed at reducing misuse of the asylum system.
Legislative Changes and Cost Control
Bill C-12, introduced in November, seeks to expedite the processing of asylum claims and imposes new eligibility criteria. This includes disqualifying individuals who have been in Canada for over a year and those who file for asylum more than 14 days after entering the country via land borders. The bill also mandates that the Immigration and Refugee Board only adjudicates claims from individuals physically present in Canada, streamlining the removal process for those who withdraw their claims.
In a bid to control costs, the federal government has announced the introduction of a co-pay system for supplementary health coverage, set to take effect on May 1. Under this new structure, asylum seekers will be responsible for 30 per cent of the costs associated with services such as dental care and prescriptions, alongside a £4 fee for each prescription filled. These measures are part of the government’s broader strategy to achieve a 15 per cent reduction in expenditure over the next three years.
Historical Context of Health Benefits for Refugees
Historically, the Conservative government under Stephen Harper had restricted supplementary health coverage for privately sponsored refugees and those who made claims after arriving in Canada. However, these changes were met with legal challenges, culminating in a 2014 Federal Court ruling that deemed such restrictions a violation of the Canadian Charter of Rights and Freedoms. Following the election of the Liberal government in 2015, the appeal was dropped, and the health programme was reinstated.
Addressing Crime and Deportation
On the issue of crime, Poilievre reiterated the necessity for judges to impose maximum sentences on foreign nationals convicted of crimes and advocated for stricter deportation measures. Current Canadian laws already permit the deportation of foreign nationals and permanent residents who receive sentences of over six months, as well as those convicted of crimes with maximum sentences of ten years, regardless of the actual length of their sentence. Those facing deportation do have avenues for appeal, but the Conservative motion seeks to further streamline this process.
Why it Matters
The Conservative motion to review health benefits for asylum seekers is emblematic of a broader discourse on immigration and public resource allocation in Canada. As the nation grapples with balancing humanitarian responsibilities and economic realities, the proposed changes could significantly impact the lives of vulnerable populations. This legislative push not only reflects a shift in political priorities but also raises critical questions about the future of Canada’s asylum and health care systems. The implications of these measures will resonate far beyond the halls of Parliament, potentially shaping public sentiment and policy on immigration for years to come.
