Poilievre calls on Carney to end costly healthcare for fake refugees
Conservative Leader Pierre Poilievre is demanding the Liberal government immediately fix a costly healthcare program for asylum seekers, arguing it unfairly burdens Canadian taxpayers.
Conservative Leader Pierre Poilievre is demanding the Liberal government immediately fix a costly healthcare program for asylum seekers, arguing it unfairly burdens Canadian taxpayers.
In a press release on Monday, Poilievre noted the IFHP’s cost has soared from $211 million four years ago to nearly $900 million now.
“Conservatives will introduce a motion tomorrow to cut back deluxe benefits for fake refugees and deport non-citizens and foreign nationals who do crime,” said Poilievre.
The program is projected to cost $1.5 billion annually by 2030.
Conservative immigration critic Michelle Rempel Garner has previously argued that some failed asylum claimants still receive extra benefits, such as eye care, while many Canadian citizens struggle to access timely healthcare.
“Under the Liberals, the IFHP expanded to include services that many Canadians don’t receive or have to pay for themselves, including pharmaceuticals, vision care, counselling, assistive devices, homecare, nursing homes, physiotherapy and occupational speech therapy. This type of coverage has increased to $456 million in 2024, a 1,186% increase since 2016,” said Rempel Garner.
Rempel Garner noted the average wait time to see a specialist is 30 weeks, a delay compounded by the four-fold increase in IFHP users straining resources.
The Conservatives have also criticized reports of some doctors overbilling for services covered by the IFHP, leading to calls for an Auditor General investigation.
The press release states the Conservatives want to ensure fiscal responsibility and prioritize Canadian access to healthcare.
Poilievre’s office announced the party plans to demand a complete review of federal benefits for asylum seekers to find ways to save taxpayer money.
Canadians first