Subhead:The government told staff not to call health care ‘free’ even as taxpayers foot a massive $621M medical care allowance for newcomers.#
Internal government emails obtained through Access to Information reveal the Department of Immigration told staff to steer clear of describing Canada’s health care as “free” for newcomers.
.@CitImmCanada in internal emails cautions against mention of “free” health care for immigrants. Cost of medicare for refugee claimants & illegal border crossers this year is $598M: ‘Remove that word.’ https://t.co/uLbC9BwXnV #cdnpoli pic.twitter.com/Cfkcpvnv5L
— Blacklock’s Reporter (@mindingottawa) November 10, 2025
“The word ‘free’ should be avoided,” reads one staff email. Management warned of “sensitivities around promoting that newcomer services are ‘free,’” as reported by Blacklock’s.