BCNU supports the National Day of Action for Refugee Health June 15

In Vancouver, a rally will be held at 12 pm in front of the CBC building on Georgia Street. All BCNU members are encouraged to participate. BCNU has been an avid supporter and advocate for reinstating the federal government program for refugees for a number of years.

In June 2012, the federal government announced a series of sweeping changes to the Interim Federal Health (IFH) program (the health insurance program for refugees in Canada). At the time, all refugees except government assisted refugees lost access to medication coverage, vision and dental care. Many lost all health coverage, including urgent and essential care except in cases of specific infectious diseases.

The previous IFH program provided access to medical care, diagnostic services and laboratory testing very similar to what is provided by provincial health plans. It also provided access to medications, emergency dental care and vision care similar to what is available to people on provincial social ;assistance plans.

These cuts were challenged in federal court and in July 2014 the changes were ruled "cruel" and "unusual". The federal court gave the government four months to reinstate the former program.

Instead, some categories of refugees had their benefits restored, while others did not, in direct violation of the court order.

In addition to flouting the law, the federal government continues to spend citizens? tax dollars fighting the court decision.

Health care workers, refugees and supporters are once again rallying to protest the federal government's continuing efforts to deny health care to some of the most vulnerable people in our society.

Join BCNU at the rally June 15.

For more information please check out the National Day of Action for Refugee Health - Vancouver Facebook page.