Feds won't cover cancer care for Albertan seeking refugee status
Federal Immigration Minister Jason Kenney says Ottawa is not required to pay for the cancer treatment needed by a failed refugee claimant living in Alberta.
Earlier this week CBC reported the story of Red Deer father Gabriel Yanez, who has testicular cancer.
Yanez, who is from Mexico, remains in Canada legally while awaiting a final appeal.
However, recent changes to the refugee policy have left him with no medical coverage.
Minister Jason Kenney says Canada has to be fair.
"When you're a legal immigrant and you come to Canada as a permanent resident, you don't get any public health insurance. You have to wait until your residency is established. You have to wait for three months or so," said Kenney.
The only treatment Yanez is receiving is from his family doctor in Red Deer, who is providing his services for free.
