In a move that has sparked considerable debate, the Conservative Party has announced plans to introduce a motion in the House of Commons aimed at reviewing and potentially limiting health benefits available to asylum seekers. The proposal, which is set to be presented on Tuesday, also calls for the immediate deportation of foreign nationals convicted of crimes in Canada. Conservative Leader Pierre Poilievre emphasised the party’s stance in a recent social media video, declaring, “Enough is enough. We can’t allow foreign criminals to take advantage of our system, false refugee claims to overwhelm the services that you pay for.”
Examining the Proposed Changes
The Conservative motion is grounded in findings from a report by the Parliamentary Budget Officer (PBO) that highlights the escalating costs of the Interim Federal Health Program (IFHP). This programme, which currently provides a range of medical services—including routine care, hospital visits, and urgent dental procedures—to asylum seekers, refugees, and other protected persons, is projected to reach an annual expenditure of £1.5 billion by 2028-29.
Poilievre’s motion seeks to initiate a comprehensive review of health benefits extended to asylum claimants, with the aim of identifying areas for cost savings. Specifically, it proposes that those appealing rejected claims should only receive emergency and life-saving care. Additionally, the motion calls for an annual report to Parliament detailing the utilisation of the programme, especially concerning supplementary benefits that are typically not available to Canadian citizens.
Current Statistics on Asylum Seekers
Recent data reveals a significant increase in the number of individuals reliant on the IFHP. In 2024-25, approximately 624,000 people received benefits under the programme, a substantial rise from roughly 200,000 in 2020-21. Most beneficiaries are asylum seekers, and the Immigration and Refugee Board currently faces a backlog of around 300,000 pending asylum claims.
Interestingly, asylum claims have seen a notable decline, dropping by nearly a third in 2025 compared to the previous year, with around 108,000 claims lodged, down from approximately 190,000. Immigration Minister Lena Metlege Diab addressed these statistics during a recent question period, asserting that the government is implementing significant reforms through Bill C-12, designed to mitigate the misuse of asylum avenues.
Legislative Changes Under Bill C-12
Introduced in November, Bill C-12 aims to enhance the processing of asylum claims by establishing specific eligibility criteria. Under the proposed legislation, individuals who have been in Canada for over a year or who claim asylum more than 14 days after entering via a land border would be deemed ineligible. Furthermore, the bill stipulates that the Immigration and Refugee Board will only assess asylum claims from individuals already within Canada, and it would enforce immediate removal orders upon withdrawal of a claim.
As part of cost-saving measures, the federal government plans to introduce a co-pay system for supplementary coverage and prescription drugs under the IFHP from May 1. Claimants will be required to cover 30 per cent of the costs for services like dental care, vision care, and counselling, in addition to a £4 fee for each eligible prescription filled.
Historical Context of Health Benefits for Refugees
The discourse surrounding the IFHP is not new. Previous governments have grappled with the complexities of providing health care to refugees and asylum seekers. Under former Prime Minister Stephen Harper, supplementary coverage was curtailed for privately sponsored refugees and those who made claims after entering Canada. However, in a landmark 2014 ruling, the Federal Court determined that these restrictions violated the Canadian Charter of Rights and Freedoms. The Conservative Party’s subsequent appeal was dropped by the Liberal government, which reinstated the programme.
On the topic of crime, Poilievre has asserted that the proposed motion would ensure judges impose maximum sentences on foreign nationals convicted of crimes, alongside facilitating their complete deportation. Currently, Canadian law allows for the deportation of foreign nationals and permanent residents convicted of crimes with maximum sentences of 10 years, even if their actual sentence is shorter than this threshold.
Why it Matters
The implications of this proposed motion extend beyond mere policy change; they resonate deeply within the fabric of Canadian society and its values surrounding compassion and justice. As the government navigates the complexities of immigration and asylum, the balance between safeguarding public resources and upholding humanitarian obligations will be critical. The conversation surrounding these issues not only impacts those seeking refuge in Canada but also challenges the nation’s identity and commitment to inclusivity in a rapidly changing world.
