Canada Imposes Co-Pay on Asylum Health
Analysis based on 8 articles · First reported Apr 23, 2026 · Last updated Apr 23, 2026
The policy change by Canada to impose a co-pay on health coverage for rejected asylum claimants is expected to reduce government spending, potentially having a minor positive impact on Canada's fiscal outlook. This could be seen as a cost-saving measure for the government, but its direct impact on broader financial markets is limited.
Canada has spent over $275 million on health coverage for asylum seekers whose claims were rejected by the Canada — Immigration and Refugee Board of Canada over the past decade. This data was released in response to an order paper question by Alberta Conservative MP Burton Bailey. The Interim Federal Health Program, which covers these costs, has seen consistent year-over-year growth in expenses related to rejected applications. To address rising costs, Canada — Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada announced a plan to cut departmental costs by 15 percent over the next three years, including implementing a 30 percent co-pay for supplemental health coverage and a $4 fee for eligible drug prescriptions starting May 1. Immigration Minister Lena Diab defended the program and highlighted legislative efforts like Bill C-12 to reduce asylum claims.
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