CPhA Welcomes Government Decision to Withdraw Refugee Health Coverage Appeal

December 16, 2015 (Ottawa): The Canadian Pharmacists Association (CPhA) applauds the federal government’s decision to withdraw its appeal in the case of The Attorney General of Canada and the Minister of Citizenship and Immigration v. Canadian Doctors for Refugee Care et al. Today’s announcement is an important step towards fully restoring the health coverage refugees receive under the Interim Federal Health Program (IFHP).

“We are very pleased that the new government has chosen to withdraw its appeal and respect the federal court’s decision that ruled the cuts unconstitutional,” said Carlo Berardi, Chair, Canadian Pharmacists Association. “CPhA has long advocated for extended health care coverage for refugees and opposed cuts to this essential program.”

Since the federal government announced cuts to refugee health coverage in 2012, CPhA has played a leading role in the health care community mobilizing opposition, particularly with regard to the elimination of interim pharmaceutical coverage. Along with thousands of individual health providers who opposed the cuts, CPhA led a coalition of eight national health provider organizations calling on the federal government to rescind its policy.

While we welcome today’s announcement, CPhA urges the government to move quickly to restore the full benefits of the Interim Federal Health Program to pre-2012 levels.

About the Canadian Pharmacists Association

The Canadian Pharmacists Association (CPhA) is the uniting national voice of pharmacy and the pharmacist profession in Canada. As pharmacists undertake an enhanced role in the delivery of health care services, CPhA ensures that the profession is recognized as a national leader in health care, influencing the policies, programs, budgets and initiatives affecting the profession and the health of Canadians. More information is available at www.pharmacists.ca.

For more information, please contact:

Tyler Gogo
Strategic Communications Manager
Canadian Pharmacists Association
tgogo@pharmacists.ca
(613) 523-7877 Ext. 113