Saskatchewan premier says impact of refugee health cut ‘unbelievable’

REGINA – Saskatchewan Premier Brad Wall says the impact of the federal decision to cut health benefits for refugees is unbelievable.

Wall says he doesn’t understand why Ottawa wouldn’t cover the cost of chemotherapy for a refugee in Saskatoon.

Saskatchewan Health Minister Dustin Duncan revealed Wednesday that the federal government would not be paying for the man’s chemo so the province is taking care of his bill.

The premier says that’s just common sense.

He says Canada is rich beyond measure compared to countries that most refugees are fleeing.

The federal government changed the health rules in the spring to deter bogus refugee claims and ensure failed asylum seekers didn’t take advantage of Canada’s free health care.