Saskatchewan wants review of refugee health cuts after man denied chemotherapy

REGINA – Saskatchewan Health Minister Dustin Duncan wants the federal government to review its decision to cut health benefits to refugee claimants.

Duncan is sending a letter to Immigration Minister Jason Kenney seeking clarification of changes announced in the spring as well as a review of the policy.

The move comes after the federal government denied chemotherapy to a refugee claimant in Saskatoon.

Duncan says he believes the case meets Ottawa’s own guidelines of urgent and essential care so the chemotherapy should have been covered.

The federal government has said the changes are meant to deter bogus refugee claims and ensure that failed asylum seekers don’t take advantage of Canada’s free health care.

Saskatchewan has picked up the tab for the man’s chemotherapy.