With the introduction of the Immigration and Refugee Protection Act in June 2002, significant changes were introduced to Canada's refugee resettlement program. Since the introduction of the act there has been a particular focus on refugees in urgent need of protection and resettlement in Canada. The introduction means that resettled refugees are no longer barred entry to Canada based on existing medical conditions.
The immediate outcome of the federal policy has resulted in an increase in special needs refugee clients with chronic and acute health needs who require long-term support in order to successfully integrate into Canadian society.
Although resettled refugees undergo a basic medical examination and a chest X-ray in the country of origin, their health status can change significantly during the waiting period prior to entry into Canada.
To give some context to this presentation, on arrival to British Columbia, the refugees stay at the Welcome House for 14 days, where they are given an orientation to life in Canada that includes assistance for the necessary applications and documentation forms, and help with finding housing. They are offered a primary health care screening at the Bridge Clinic.
The Bridge Clinic is a community health clinic that was established in September 1994 as—