Canadian Medical Students Speak Up Against Refugee Health Cuts

OTTAWA, June 17, 2013 /CNW/ - On June 17th, 2013, National Day of Action Against Refugee Health Cuts, the Canadian Federation of Medical Students (CFMS) and the Fédération médicale étudiante du Québec (FMEQ), together representing all Canadian medical students, express their firm stance against the Interim Federal Health Program (IFHP) cuts.

The CFMS has repeatedly expressed its staunch opposition to the changes to the IFHP since their inception last Spring, and continues to support political action challenging their morality, legality, and cost-effectiveness. The FMEQ has also expressed its opposition to the cuts and denounces their disastrous consequences: health care denied to people who are already incredibly vulnerable, as well as confusion about health coverage eligibility.

For the protection of universal human rights, for the promotion of health and wellbeing, and for the ultimate economic and social benefit to Canadian society, the CFMS and the FMEQ ask the government to amend or cancel the damaging changes to the IFHP. We, the physicians of tomorrow, are speaking up for those who are not in a position to speak for themselves, and we will continue to stand up for the most vulnerable among us.

The CFMS Vice President for Global Health, Kimberly Golding Williams, will be available for media interviews in English. FMEQ Vice President for International Affairs, Claudel Pétrin-Desrosiers, will be available for media interviews in French.

The Canadian Federation of Medical Students (CFMS) is a national organization that represents over 7500 medical students at 14 medical schools across Canada. www.cfms.org

The Quebec Federation of Medical Students (FMEQ) aims to represent, promote and defend the collective interest of Quebec 3,700 medical students on education, political and social issues. www.fmeq.ca

SOURCE: Canadian Federation of Medical Students (CFMS)

Miriam Lermer, Vice President Communications, CFMS
Cell: [phone] | [email protected]
Claudel P-Desrosiers, Vice President International Affairs, FMEQ
Cell: [phone] | [email protected] 

Source: Canadian Federation of Medical Students
Fédération médicale étudiante du Québec