Misinformation — Or Misplaced Priorities?

For as long as I have been in public office there has always been the serious concern of “misinformation”.

However, over the years I have also come to realize that there are different types of misinformation and while government often likes to use this term against its opponents sometimes governments are also guilty of misinformation. 

The same can be said for opponents of government who at times may wilfully fabricate various things in an effort to build opposition to a government policy or proposal. 

One area where I have found there is often considerable misinformation relates to immigration. It is not uncommon to see many claims being circulated online that imply immigrants receive benefits and large-scale support payments that are not based on accurate information.

That being said, there are also some situations when some programs may well exceed what is available to Canadians. One of these situations is providing temporary medical health benefits to those who have applied for refugee status here in Canada.

There are several reasons why this topic has recently been a central theme in Ottawa. In 2016, when the Federal Liberal Government had just taken over there, was refugee application backlog of roughly 17,000.  A decade later after 10 years of Liberal immigration policy, that refugee backlog has grown to over 300,000. Obviously, those here in Canada on the backlog list receive heath benefits paid for by taxpayers.

However, again due to Liberal government policies, the health benefits paid for by taxpayers to those with refugee claims are now far more generous than what Canadians receive.

As an example, treatments by occupational therapists including physiotherapists as well as speech language therapists are all fully covered. Likewise, so too are devices such as prosthetics, mobility aids, hearing aids even home care and long-term care. Dental care, vision care including medical supplies and prescription drugs are also all covered.

For many Canadian families and seniors who do not have coverage for some of these things, they will know firsthand how expensive they can be. That is also why the bill to cover these health services for those on the waitlist has risen from $60 million in 2016 to $989 million today.

A recent report from Canada’s Parliamentary Budget Officer estimates these costs will rise to more than $1.5 billion by 2029-30. This of course raises the question – is it fair for Canadian taxpayers to fund a health benefit program that is far more generous than what Canadians receive at a time when many Canadians wait in line for even basic healthcare services. 

My question to you this week – Do you think this Liberal program is fair to Canadians?

Before I conclude this week’s report next week on Tuesday, March 3rd at 7 PM I will be hosting a “Stop the Crime” Townhall and you are invited to attend.

Details, including registration are here:  https://www.conservative.ca/kelowna-stop-the-crime-townhall/
Address: Kelowna Events Centre, 2041 Harvey Ave, Kelowna

I hope you can attend.

Please join the discussion online at my Facebook Page, or reach me directly at Dan.Albas@parl.gc.ca  or toll-free at 1-800-665-8711.