Refugee Claimants and Federal Court

Conservative government: Lawyers for refugee claimants say that case is not scheduled to be heard until after the Oct. 19 vote, though in the meantime the government has been forced to reinstate some of the benefits in order to comply with the court ruling, according to Brandon Sun. But doctors and refugee advocates taking part in a cross-Canada protest Monday say the current system still doesn't meet the requirements laid out by the Federal Court last year. The Conservative government is currently appealing a Federal Court ruling that found the changes they had made to the health care system for refugee claimants were unconstitutional. The changes weren't reversed for all refugee claimants, only children and pregnant women, they argue. Doug Gruner, a spokesperson for Canadian Doctors for Refugee Care. "It is a policy and position borne out of ignorance and arrogance." Prior to 2012, anyone awaiting a refugee status decision had their health care costs — including dental, eye care and medications — paid for by the federal government until their application was decided and provincial health coverage kicked in. Even they struggle with a system that so confusing, not even providers are certain what is and isn't covered. "The zeal in which this government is attacking refugees is not only shameful, but it is illogical," said Dr. (www.immigrantscanada.com). As reported in the news.