a home, support and advocacy for refugees
recent Introduction of bill c-12
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In March of 2026, the Canadian Federal Government introduced major changes to its immigration and refugee system.
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These changes include:
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Restricting people who make a claim more than 1 year after their entry into Canada from having their claim referred to the Immigration and Refugee Board of Canada (IRB). This change was also retroactively applied to any claim (or missed claim) since June 24, 2020.
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Refugees entering Canada via the U.S. border who wait more than 14 days to make an asylum claim are ineligible to gain a referral to the IRB.
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New changes grant the federal government increased powers to suspend or cancel claims and permits, as well as to pause entire categories of applications if deemed in the public's interest .
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Removed privacy protections.
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Many humans rights groups, legal advocacy groups, health & safety advocacy groups and faith groups have come out in opposition to Bill C-12. These groups insist that Bill C-12:
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Reduces refugee and migrant rights
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Creates further barriers for refugees in the asylum process,
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Unfairly retroactively affects claims made before Bill-CI2 became law.
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Recent changes to interim federal health program (ifhp)
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In March of 2026, the Canadian Federal Government introduced major changes to the Interim Federal Health Program (IFHP) significantly affecting how refugees get healthcare.
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These changes include:
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Reduction in supplemental healthcare benefits for refugees. They will now have to pay out-of-pocket for many services, including 30% of mental health, dental, and vision care costs.
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Increased barriers to mental health aid and trauma support.
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Access to prescription drugs diminished, as well as flat $4 fee added to every prescription filled/refilled.
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These changes put refugee's lives at risk, while increasing barriers and red tape for this at-risk population in getting accessible healthcare
Official Government of Canada statements
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Click below to see the government's official statements:
fURTHER rESOURCES & aDVOCACY
What can you do?
Organizations like the Canadian Council for Refugees, Migrant Rights Network, Romero House, FCJ Refugee Centre, CLEO Connect and the Canadian Psychological Association all have more resources and information available if you're interested in learning more.
You can also email your MP, sign petitions, participate in peaceful demonstrations and support organizations like ours or those aforementioned to help support refugees.