On Sunday, September 17, Migrants Rights Network and allies in cities across the country will be holding a nation-wide Day of Action for Status for All. Friends of Medicare will be joining Migrante Alberta, and other advocates at the Alberta Legislature, to call on the federal government to keep their promise to ensure regularization for undocumented migrants and permanent resident status for all without further delay.
“Immigration status is a foundational determinant of health. We support the Migrant Rights Network’s call for the federal government to finally make good on their promised regularization plan,” said Chris Gallaway, executive director of Friends of Medicare. “In addition, we call on our provincial government to ensure access to health care for all, regardless of immigration status.”
Last year, Friends of Medicare joined over 50 organizations, and more than 800 health care workers from across the country in signing on to a public open letter calling for Status for All. Since then, the Prime Minister and his government have continued to stall, even after a unanimous motion from the House of Commons in support of action.
“We know that there are devastating health impacts when patients do not have full and permanent immigration status, or fear accessing the care they need,” said Gallaway. “We pride ourselves on our universal health care system, yet far too many people in our communities are still suffering without any health care access whatsoever. No more waiting: the federal government needs to immediately move to keep their promise on regularization.”
The Migrant Rights Network is ramping up the pressure heading into the start of the fall parliamentary session of the House of Commons.
“Parliament resumes this week. This is an opportunity for the Prime Minister and his government to stop stalling, and to finally make good on their promise to ensure everyone living in Canada has access to the health care they need,” said Gallaway.
Friends of Medicare encourages Albertans to join the day of action rally and to send a message in support the calls for action on this important issue.
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