Letter to M.P. Lena Diab regarding concerns regarding the proposed changes to the Interim Federal Health Program and impacts on refugee children

Letter to The Honourable Lena Diab, P.C., M.P.

February 9, 2026

The Honourable Lena Diab, P.C., M.P.
Minister of Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship
IRCC.Minister-Ministre.IRCC@cic.gc.ca
Ottawa, Ontario

Re: Concerns regarding the proposed changes to the Interim Federal Health Program and impacts on refugee children

Dear Minister Diab,

I am writing on behalf of Children’s Healthcare Canada and the Pediatric Chairs of Canada, two organizations representing organizations and academic leaders that deliver specialized healthcare to children and youth across the country, to express concern regarding the proposed changes to the Interim Federal Health Program (IFHP) and their potential impact on refugee children and families.

It is widely recognized that children make up approximately 25 per cent of refugee populations. As such, any changes to the IFHP have significant implications for child health, pediatric care delivery, and the long-term wellbeing of families seeking safety and stability in Canada. Our members—including children’s hospitals, community hospitals, rehabilitation centres, and mental health agencies—are concerned about how the introduction of co-payments could affect access to essential care for refugee children and youth.

For families with limited or no income, even relatively small fees can create meaningful barriers to accessing medications, mental health supports, dental and vision care, and other necessary services. Delays or interruptions in care during childhood can have lasting consequences for health outcomes, development, and social integration.

In addition, the collection of co-payments risks placing further administrative burden on already stretched healthcare and allied health professionals. Managing billing, payments, and eligibility checks could complicate service delivery, divert clinical resources, and potentially delay or discourage access to care for vulnerable children and families.

Our members also worry that reduced access to timely, preventive, and community-based care will result in more children presenting later with advanced or preventable conditions—leading to avoidable hospitalizations, increased strain on pediatric services, and higher overall system costs. These outcomes would be both harmful and avoidable.

Children’s Healthcare Canada and the Pediatric Chairs of Canada urge the government to reconsider these changes and to work collaboratively with health providers and patients to ensure the IFHP remains accessible, effective, and aligned with Canada’s commitments to equity and public health.

Yours sincerely,

Emily Gruenwoldt, President and CEO, Children’s Healthcare Canada; and Executive Director, Pediatric Chairs of Canada