Expert: Proposed extension of RAMQ to undocumented children criticized

Bill 83, which aims to extend Quebec health insurance coverage (RAMQ) to children born here to migrant parents who have a precarious status, does not pass the test, according to several organizations that care for the rights of young children. According to Doctors of the World Canada, which runs a clinic for migrants in this category, Bill 83, which was introduced by the Minister of Health, creates new and unnecessary administrative procedures along with obstacles that stand in the way of it achieving the desired objectives. (Le Devoir)

Here is an expert from McGill University that can provide comment on this issue:

Jill Hanley, Associate Professor, School of Social Work

“While Bill 83 makes an important contribution by covering all children born in Canada with RAMQ insurance, the procedures being proposed for children born outside of Canada remain complex and will present barriers. Covering pregnancy and childbirth is also critical and, ultimately, we would benefit as a society by providing free healthcare for all.”

Jill Hanley is an Associate Professor at the School of Social Work and the Scientific Director of the Sherpa Research Institute on Migration, Health and Social Services. Her work focuses on closing the gaps between policies and practice concerning the social rights of migrant populations.

jill.hanley [at] mcgill.ca (English, French, Spanish)