The Impact of Policy Changes on the Healthcare of Asylum Seekers and Refugees in Ontario

ABSTRACT Access to healthcare is an essential entitlement of every individual, but asylum seekers and refugees frequently need help in obtaining this access. The Canadian Interim Federal Health Program (IFHP) delivers vital healthcare services to these vulnerable groups. Founded in 1957, the IFHP has undergone numerous essential policy changes, including the cutbacks in 2012 and the subsequent restoration 2016. The 2012 reductions significantly curtailed healthcare availability for asylum seekers and refugees, resulting in extensive criticism and lobbying efforts from healthcare practitioners, non-governmental organizations (NGOs), and refugee advocates. As a result, the Liberal government reinstated the IFHP in 2016, intending to restore complete healthcare coverage for these groups. This study evaluates the efficacy of the 2016 restoration of the IFHP in improving healthcare accessibility and outcomes for asylum seekers and refugees in Ontario. This study aims to analyze the direct and indirect effects of the policy shift to determine if the restoration has effectively resolved the obstacles to healthcare that emerged during the period of reduced coverage. This research uses the Multiple Stream Framework (MSF) to examine the problem, policy, and the political streams to investigate the implementation, execution, and consequences of the 2016 IFHP restoration. This study's findings will provide valuable insights into the achievements and current difficulties of the IFHP, therefore adding to the broader discussion on healthcare policy for asylum seekers and refugees in Canada. This study highlights the significance of implementing fair and uniform healthcare regulations that guarantee the welfare of every individual, irrespective of their immigration status.