The Alberta government says it is pausing a policy change that cut access to provincial health coverage for some temporary foreign workers earlier this year.
On Jan. 7, the province quietly removed access to public health care for people on International Experience Canada (IEC) Type 58 permits, including those on working holiday and young professional visas.
The government did not publicly announce the change. Workers only found out they were no longer eligible when they tried to register for coverage or renew their health cards.
The issue gained particular attention in the Bow Valley, where the tourism industry relies on temporary foreign workers.
The Bow Valley Immigration Partnership estimates there are hundreds of people on these types of work permits in the region.
In a statement to CBC News, Alberta’s Ministry of Primary and Preventative Health Services said it has heard concerns from employers and workers about what it called a “premature decision” made within the department.
The government says it has now paused the change while it reviews the policy going forward.
Advocates say there are still major unanswered questions.
Tineke van der Merwe with the Bow Valley Immigration Partnership says workers and employers still do not have clear public information about this latest development, including how long this policy review will take.
“We continue to urgently seek clarity from Alberta Health and the ministry on when public information is going to be available,” she said.
Javiera Sepulveda, a housekeeper at a hotel in Banff, was denied provincial coverage after applying in early January.
She says it’s unclear whether the government’s pause means workers like her can apply for health cards again while the policy is under review.
“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, this 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 regain access to coverage during the review period.
