What we're being told is that the cuts are to equalize the delivery of health care for refugees as for other Canadians, but the reality is that across provinces most Canadians on social assistance had the same level of benefits as refugees did before the cuts. Now that the cuts have happened, we're getting stories across the country about how refugees are being denied care.
There have been mixed messages from Citizenship and Immigration Canada, which have resulted in a lot of confusion amongst health providers as to exactly what is covered. In fact, even after the cuts, some refugees who would be covered are being denied services because health providers just don't know what to do.
It's a significant problem. We pride ourselves on a country that is welcoming to newcomers, is a refuge in stormy times overseas, and delivers health care equitably. Unfortunately, that's not happening for refugees coming to Canada.