In January 2024, Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada launched the program for extended families of Canadians and permanent residents in Gaza with great promise, but it has not been the success we all hoped it would be. At the Immigration Committee, I questioned the IRCC Deputy Minister on the delays bringing the family members of Canadians in Gaza to Canada for temporary safety. | Salma Zahid

Today, Immigration, Refugees, and Citizenship Canada (IRCC) announces it is introducing co-payments under the Interim Federal Health Program starting May 1, 2026. The Interim Federal Health Program is temporary federal health coverage for eligible refugee-related groups until they transition to provincial or territorial health insurance. Starting May 1, 2026, co-payments will apply to prescriptions and other supplemental services, while basic doctor visits and hospital care will remain fully cov