Alberta is reconsidering cutting health coverage for some temporary foreign workers after concerns grow
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The Alberta government says it is halting a policy change that cut access to provincial health coverage for some temporary foreign workers earlier this year.
On January 7, the province quietly removed access to public health care for people with International Experience Canada (IEC) Type 58 permits, including those on working holidays and youth professional visas.
The government did not publicly announce the change. Workers only learned they were no longer eligible when they tried to register for coverage or renew their health cards.
The issue attracted particular attention in the Bow Valley, where the tourism industry is dependent on temporary foreign workers.
The Bow Valley Immigration Partnership estimates that there are hundreds of people on this type of work permit in the region.
In a statement to CBC News, Alberta’s Ministry of Primary and Preventive Health Services said it has heard the concerns of employers and workers, calling the decision a “premature decision” made within the department.
The government says it has now put the changes on hold while it reviews further policy.
Advocates say there are still major unanswered questions.
Tineke van der Merwe of the Bow Valley Immigration Partnership says workers and employers still do not have clear public information about this latest development, including how long it will take to review this policy.
“We want immediate clarity from Alberta Health and the ministry as to when public information will be available,” he said.
Javiera Sepulveda, a maid at a hotel in Banff, was denied provincial coverage after applying in early January.
She says it’s not clear whether the government’s pause means workers like her can apply for health cards again while the policy is reviewed.
“I would like them to be transparent,” Sepulveda said.
Van der Merwe said the lack of information makes it difficult for workers and businesses to plan ahead.
“Over the next eight weeks, employers will be hiring for the busy summer period,” she says.
“And without clear information, it could have a detrimental impact on our local tourism and hospitality-based workforce during one of the busiest times of the year.”
The province has not responded to questions about how long the review will take or whether workers will have access to coverage during the review period.
