Refugees on their own?

Hey there, time traveller!
This article was published 17/6/2013 (2131 days ago), so information in it may no longer be current.

Meanwhile, back in Canada, hundreds of health-care workers and newcomers rallied in Winnipeg yesterday as part of the National Day of Action for Refugee Health Care.

The rally, which took place in 18 other Canadian cities, was a response to the federal government cuts to supplemental health benefits for privately sponsored refugees who have been approved and invited to Canada.

As the Winnipeg Free Press reported, during the refugees’ first year here, costs for items such as prescription drugs, prosthetic limbs, dental and vision care are no longer covered by the Interim Federal Health plan. The cuts took effect last year on the eve of Canada Day.

In response, Manitoba and Quebec decided to cover the costs rather than letting newcomers settle and go without this health coverage.

Immigration Minister Jason Kenney previously told media that the changes will save Ottawa $100 million over five years and crack down on bogus refugees.

We can’t help but notice that Jordan will get Canadian aid — to the tune of $100 million, ironically enough — to deal with Syrian refugees, but when it comes to refugees who are in our own backyard, our federal government has decided they’re on their own.