Alberta pauses cut to health coverage for some temporary foreign workers

Alberta has paused a recent change that removed public health coverage for some International Experience Canada Type 58 permit holders while the province reviews the decision; advocates say questions remain about timing and whether coverage will be restored during the review.

Alberta has paused a policy change that removed access to provincial health coverage for some temporary foreign workers and is reviewing the matter. The change, made on Jan. 7, affected people with International Experience Canada Type 58 permits, including working holiday and young professional visas. The removal was not publicly announced and some people discovered they were no longer eligible when they tried to register for coverage or renew health cards. The pause followed concerns from employers and community groups, and the provincial ministry described the earlier decision as premature. Key facts: - The Jan. 7 change removed public health coverage for holders of IEC Type 58 permits, according to reporting. - The change was not publicly announced; affected people learned about it when applying for or renewing health cards. - Alberta’s Ministry of Primary and Preventative Health Services said it has paused the change and is reviewing the policy after hearing concerns from employers and workers. - The Bow Valley Immigration Partnership estimates there are hundreds of people on these permits in the region and says local tourism relies on temporary foreign workers. - The province has not provided a timeline for the review or said whether workers will regain access to coverage while the review is underway. - A hotel housekeeper in Banff reported being denied provincial coverage after applying in early January and has called for transparency. Summary: The pause has left workers and employers uncertain during a key hiring period for tourism in the Bow Valley, and community groups say the lack of clear public information could affect staffing for the upcoming season. The government has not announced how long the review will take or whether affected workers can reapply for coverage while it is ongoing. Undetermined at this time.