Gazan families who arrived in Quebec as temporary residents, fleeing conflict, are losing public health coverage after three months, unlike Ukrainian refugees who received extended coverage. This disparity leaves vulnerable families, many with existing health issues and trauma, without access to essential medical care. Civil society and health-care groups are criticizing Quebec's "double standard" and calling on both provincial and federal governments to extend health insurance, while both levels of government deflect responsibility.
These Gazan families came to Quebec for safety. Now, they face life without health coverage
CanadaQuébecGenocidesHealthPublic healthImmigration
AI Summary
TL;DR: Key points with love ❤️Gazan families who arrived in Quebec as temporary residents, fleeing conflict, are losing public health coverage after three months, unlike Ukrainian refugees who received extended coverage. This disparity leaves vulnerable families, many with existing health issues and trauma, without access to essential medical care. Civil society and health-care groups are criticizing Quebec's "double standard" and calling on both provincial and federal governments to extend health insurance, while both levels of government deflect responsibility.
Trending- 1 October 2023 - May 2025: 823 Gazans make it to Canada.
- 2 Last September: Nidal Zaqout arrives in Montreal.
- 3 December (last year): Jehan Elsayyed arrives in Sherbrooke.
- 4 Three months after arrival: Gazans' IFHP health coverage expires.
- 5 Last month: Over 70 civil society and health-care groups publish open letter in La Presse.
- 6 June 9, 2025: Article published.
- Gazan families, including those with chronic conditions and PTSD, are left without health care.
- Increased vulnerability for families fleeing conflict.
- Criticism of Quebec's "double standard" and alleged discrimination.
- Governments deflect responsibility for the issue.
- Families remain separated from loved ones still in Gaza.
What: Gazan families who fled to Quebec as temporary residents are losing their public health coverage after three months, leading to calls for extended coverage from civil society and health-care groups who highlight a "double standard" compared to Ukrainian refugees.
When: Nidal Zaqout arrived in Montreal last September; health coverage expires after three months; between October 2023 and May 2025, 823 Gazans made it to Canada; open letter published last month; article published June 9, 2025.
Where: Montreal, Quebec, Canada; Sherbrooke, Quebec; Gaza.
Why: Gazans, arriving as temporary residents, are only granted three months of federal health coverage, after which Quebec refuses to extend it, citing visa designation differences. This leaves them vulnerable and without essential care, despite fleeing a conflict described as genocide.
How: Gazans arrive in Canada under a temporary residency program. They receive three months of IFHP coverage. Quebec declines to extend provincial coverage, leading to a lapse. Advocacy groups and health professionals are pressuring governments to change policy.