iiinova — where your digital self keeps evolving

Y.Y. Brandon Chen @yybrandonc.bsky.social · 02/06/2026

If you conduct research on Canada’s excessive demand policy — namely section 38(1)(c) of the Immigration and Refugee Protection Act — check out this call for papers! Please feel free to reach out if you’d like to discuss the planned special issue or be connected with the guest editor.

utppublishing.com

Call for Papers | Journal of Canadian Studies | University of Toronto Press

Journal of Canadian Studies is seeking new insights on special topics to publish in an upcoming issue. See if this CFP is the right fit for your research.

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Y.Y. Brandon Chen @yybrandonc.bsky.social · 30/05/2026

I hear you. It’s truly stunning to hear the health minister saying that the decision to impose travel restrictions was “not a question of science”.

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Y.Y. Brandon Chen @yybrandonc.bsky.social · 29/05/2026

Second, research shows people at risk of deportation often avoid seeking health care due to fear of attracting attention from authorities. The suggestion that this group is driving IFHP spending is unsupported by evidence and serves primarily to stoke resentment against an already vulnerable group.

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Y.Y. Brandon Chen @yybrandonc.bsky.social · 29/05/2026

First, many individuals facing removal remain engaged in ongoing legal proceedings and continue to have lawful reasons to be present in Canada pending the outcome of those processes.

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Y.Y. Brandon Chen @yybrandonc.bsky.social · 29/05/2026

4. The article also dwells on the fact that IFHP coverage for unsuccessful refugee claimants ends only once a removal order has been enforced. This framing ignores two important realities.

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Y.Y. Brandon Chen @yybrandonc.bsky.social · 29/05/2026

3. IFHP does not provide health coverage to “anyone with a pulse who managed to fill out an asylum claim form.” Individuals found ineligible to make refugee claims, as well as those deemed to have withdrawn or abandoned their claims, are not covered by the IFHP.

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Y.Y. Brandon Chen @yybrandonc.bsky.social · 29/05/2026

Moreover, dental coverage under IFHP is largely restricted to treatment required for the emergency relief of pain or infection. It is a far cry from “fixing people’s teeth for free.”

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Y.Y. Brandon Chen @yybrandonc.bsky.social · 29/05/2026

2. IFHP does not make Canada “a luxury health-care resort for the developing world where you can get your teeth fixed for free.” As the Federal Court found in 2014, there’s no empirical evidence that people are coming to Canada through the asylum system in order to obtain health care.

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Y.Y. Brandon Chen @yybrandonc.bsky.social · 29/05/2026

1. IFHP doesn’t provide “all-inclusive” health coverage. Its coverage is comparable to what low-income persons receive through social assistance. Even then, research shows IFHP beneficiaries often have difficulty accessing covered services for various reasons, including denial of care by providers.

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Y.Y. Brandon Chen @yybrandonc.bsky.social · 29/05/2026

Jamie Sarkonak’s vitriol in the National Post today about the Interim Federal Health Program (IFHP) for refugees is littered with misinformation and xenophobia. While much more can be said about the piece, here are a few false claims that require correction:

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Reposted by Y.Y. Brandon Chen

Jason Nickerson @jwnickerson.bsky.social · 28/05/2026

Ebola is unlikely to trigger an outbreak at the World Cup. Anyone saying otherwise doesn't understand the epidemiology of Ebola. I agree with this article - we have other pathogens that warrant more worry and planning at large events like this: measles, norovirus, etc.

statnews.com

Ebola at the World Cup? Here’s what we should actually worry about

“Infectious disease threats during the World Cup will almost certainly look much more familiar than frightening headlines suggest,” writes Krutika Kuppalli.

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Y.Y. Brandon Chen @yybrandonc.bsky.social · 29/05/2026

As we argue, public health measures are most effective when they're evidence-based, proportionate to risks at hand, and respectful of human rights. When gov'ts depart from these principles, as history repeatedly shows, they risk fuelling fear and reinforcing racist and xenophobic stereotypes. 2/2

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Y.Y. Brandon Chen @yybrandonc.bsky.social · 24/04/2026

With one week left before these measures come into force, policymakers still have a narrow window to pause implementation and avoid repeating the well-documented consequences of past cuts.

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Y.Y. Brandon Chen @yybrandonc.bsky.social · 22/04/2026

I’m also deeply moved to see my chapter followed by Sylvia Agbih's powerful poem, which captures, far more eloquently than I ever could, the tensions underlying contemporary asylum systems. 3/3

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Y.Y. Brandon Chen @yybrandonc.bsky.social · 22/04/2026

Revisiting this work now, it feels particularly timely. In Canada (and other parts of Global North), we are seeing renewed efforts to scale back aspects of refugee protection, both in access to asylum and in health care entitlements. The logics explored in my chapter remain very much at play. 2/3

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Y.Y. Brandon Chen @yybrandonc.bsky.social · 22/04/2026

Grateful to finally hold a hardcopy of Forced Migration and Health Justice (OUP, 2026). My chapter, “Disqualify, Disincentivize, and Dissonate: Immigration Law as a Barrier to Migrants’ Healthcare Access,” examines how immigration law excludes and otherwise structure migrants' access to care. 1/3

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Y.Y. Brandon Chen @yybrandonc.bsky.social · 17/04/2026

Adding to concerns about planned intro of copayments to refugee healthcare: in this Ottawa Citizen interview, I stress the fact that copayments will apply to "supplemental" benefits does not make their impact on people’s health and wellbeing any less serious. ottawacitizen.com/news/refugee... #IFHP

ottawacitizen.com

She felt love in Canada as a refugee. As a doctor, she's losing hope for newcomers

A new co-payment model asks refugees to pay $4 for each prescription, 30 per cent of supplemental service costs. Advocates say it's unfair.

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Y.Y. Brandon Chen @yybrandonc.bsky.social · 06/03/2026

These are all encouraging developments in the Charter's equality jurisprudence. So, overall, I take Kanyinda as a meaningful step forward. It lays an important foundation for future cases seeking stronger equality protections for migrants under the Charter. And the work continues... 5/

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Y.Y. Brandon Chen @yybrandonc.bsky.social · 06/03/2026

Notably, Chief Justice Wagner would have recognized refugee claimant status as an analogous ground. The majority of the Court similarly acknowledged that a person's precarious immigration status is a relevant intersecting reality that should inform s. 15 Charter analysis in appropriate cases. 4/

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Y.Y. Brandon Chen @yybrandonc.bsky.social · 06/03/2026

However, the Court did not address the main points in our submissions directly, instead choosing to resolve the case based on sex discrimination. I find this a missed opportunity. At the same time, the Court did not reject our propositions either. So, there's some silver lining in this. 3/

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Y.Y. Brandon Chen @yybrandonc.bsky.social · 06/03/2026

Our intervention urged the Court to adopt a robust understanding of citizenship-based distinctions and to accept immigration status as an analogous ground under the Charter. I'm heartened that the Court cited our factum several times when discussing the disadvantage facing refugee claimants. 2/

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Y.Y. Brandon Chen @yybrandonc.bsky.social · 06/03/2026

The Supreme Court of Canada just released its pivotal Charter equality rights decision in Quebec (AG) v Kanyinda. It was an honour to have co-represented FCJ Refugee Centre and the Madhu Varma Migrant Justice Centre in their intervention in this case. 1/

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Y.Y. Brandon Chen @yybrandonc.bsky.social · 25/02/2026

Dental emergencies are health emergencies. Conditioning access to urgent dental care on ability to pay undermines the core principle of equitable access that defines Canadian health care. 3/3

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Y.Y. Brandon Chen @yybrandonc.bsky.social · 25/02/2026

The IFHP’s supplemental benefits include coverage for limited dental care: not routine cleanings, but emergency examinations and treatment necessary for emergency relief of pain or infection. In other words, urgent dental care falls within the category now subject to a 30% co-payment. 2/3

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Y.Y. Brandon Chen @yybrandonc.bsky.social · 25/02/2026

Canada will soon introduce a 30% co-payment on “supplemental coverage” under Interim Federal Health Program (IFHP), along with a $4 fee per prescription. It is suggested that refugees & refugee claimants will still have access to emergency care for free. That claim obscures an important reality. 1/3

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Y.Y. Brandon Chen @yybrandonc.bsky.social · 20/02/2026

Warm congratulations as well to Profs Michael Pal and Amy Salyzyn on their appointments. I’m honoured to be in such inspiring company.

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Y.Y. Brandon Chen @yybrandonc.bsky.social · 20/02/2026

I’m deeply grateful to be named one of the inaugural Dean’s Research Professorships at @uocommonlaw.bsky.social. I look forward to using this opportunity to deepen and expand my work on migrant health equity.

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UOttawa, Section de common law | Common Law Section @uocommonlaw.bsky.social · 19/02/2026

Three new Dean’s Research Professorships are advancing bold work on migrant health equity, the law of democracy, and technology’s impact on justice. See how our researchers are shaping a democratic, digital and diverse future. bit.ly/4kTSox5 @yybrandonc.bsky.social @amysalyzyn.bsky.social

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Y.Y. Brandon Chen @yybrandonc.bsky.social · 11/02/2026

Join @ottawahealthlaw.ca @hivlegalnetwork.bsky.social on March 12 11:30–13:00 for a free webinar "Bordering Health: Medical Inadmissibility, Disability Rights, and Migrant Health" as we discuss the past, present and future of Canada's "excessive demand" policy. www.ottawahealthlaw.ca/events/borde...

ottawahealthlaw.ca

Medical Inadmissibility, Disability Rights, and Migrant Health

Event

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Y.Y. Brandon Chen @yybrandonc.bsky.social · 06/02/2026

As I explained, Alberta’s claim that private insurance fills the gap is unconvincing. Private insurance is not a replacement for public health care. It often doesn’t cover routine or preventative care or pregnancy-related costs, leaving workers exposed to serious health & financial risks. 2/2

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Y.Y. Brandon Chen @yybrandonc.bsky.social · 06/02/2026

Health care cuts carry real human costs, and making them quietly only worsens the harm by denying people the opportunity to prepare. I spoke with CBC News about Alberta’s recent decision to remove health coverage for International Experience Canada work permit holders. 1/2 www.cbc.ca/news/canada/...

cbc.ca

Calgary - CBC News

Stay on top of Calgary with the latest in news, weather, events and interviews.

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Canadian Health Coalition/Coalition canadienne de la santé @cdnhealthcoalition.bsky.social · 05/11/2025

Budget 2025 demonstrates a weak commitment to expanding and improving public health care and little vision to end the crisis facing millions of Canadians who can't access the care they need. Here are 4 things you need to know:

healthcoalition.ca

4 things you need to know about health care in the federal budget

Cuts, broken promises, and missed opportunities for health care in Carney's first budget

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Y.Y. Brandon Chen @yybrandonc.bsky.social · 05/11/2025

Taken together with Bills C-2 and C-12, this policy signals yet another setback to Canada’s commitment, and legal responsibility, to uphold refugee rights.

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Y.Y. Brandon Chen @yybrandonc.bsky.social · 05/11/2025

Decades of research show that even small copayments can significantly impede access to care, especially for people with limited income. This proposed change will therefore likely have serious consequences for refugees’ and refugee claimants’ health and wellbeing.

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Y.Y. Brandon Chen @yybrandonc.bsky.social · 05/11/2025

Canada’s #Budget2025 includes plans to “introduce a modest co-payment model” to the Interim Federal Health Program for “supplemental health products or services (such as prescription medication and dental care).” In plain terms, this means cutting healthcare benefits for refugees and asylum seekers.

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uOttawa Centre for Health Law, Policy and Ethics @ottawahealthlaw.ca · 20/07/2025

Join @ottawahealthlaw.ca Oct 2–3 for a national conference: Reframing Mental Health Law: Emerging Controversies and Cross-Sector Perspectives. Keynotes: @Kwame_McKenzie & Dr. Tracy Vaillancourt. Student rates available. Hope to see you there! www.ottawahealthlaw.ca/conferences/...

ottawahealthlaw.ca

Reframing Mental Health Law – Emerging Controversies and Cross-Sector Perspectives

Conference @University of Ottawa October 2/3, 2025

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Y.Y. Brandon Chen @yybrandonc.bsky.social · 16/06/2025

This winter I was privileged to partake in a working group led by N4 (National Newcomer Navigation Network) that aimed to improve health equity for users of the Interim Federal Health Program. The final report, with a list of recommendations, can be found here: www.yybrandonchen.com/_files/ugd/2...

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Y.Y. Brandon Chen @yybrandonc.bsky.social · 06/06/2025

The so-called “Strong Borders Act” will significantly weaken Canada’s humanitarian tradition and commitment to human rights. Check out this statement from Canadian Council for Refugees:

ccrweb.ca

Statement on Bill C-2 | Canadian Council for Refugees

June 5, 2025

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Y.Y. Brandon Chen @yybrandonc.bsky.social · 17/05/2025

Hearty congratulations on this milestone!! You rock.

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Y.Y. Brandon Chen @yybrandonc.bsky.social · 15/05/2025

Thank you so much for your moral support, my friend! Fingers crossed for a positive outcome, for the sake of migrants and refugees, as well as the coherence of Charter equality rights analysis. 🤞🏼🤞🏼

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Y.Y. Brandon Chen @yybrandonc.bsky.social · 30/04/2025

These arguments are largely grounded in the reflections I made in a forthcoming book chapter. While the chapter considers the deficiency of s.15 in the healthcare context, the facts in Kanyinda show that the same troubling "xenophobic gap" exists elsewhere. papers.ssrn.com/sol3/papers....

papers.ssrn.com

The Xenophobic Gap in the Canadian Charter's Equality Guarantee

Despite the equality guarantee in the Canadian Charter of Rights and Freedoms ("Charter"), xenophobic laws and government decisions persist in Canada.

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Y.Y. Brandon Chen @yybrandonc.bsky.social · 30/04/2025

To that end, we will urge the Court to recognize immigration status as a prohibited ground of discrimination under s.15 of the Charter, and to adopt a broader understanding of citizenship-based distinctions. We also argue that discriminatory effects of law must be examined through intersectionality.

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Y.Y. Brandon Chen @yybrandonc.bsky.social · 30/04/2025

Supreme Court of Canada is scheduled to hear the Kanyinda case in 2 weeks. I'm honoured to act as counsel for @fcjrefugeecentre.mastodon.social.ap.brid.gy & @madhucentre.bsky.social in their joint intervention. We argue the Canadian Charter must meaningfully protect substantive equality of migrants.

scc-csc.ca

Supreme Court of Canada | 41210

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HIV Legal Network @hivlegalnetwork.bsky.social · 04/04/2025

Today, on Refugee Rights Day, the HIV Legal Network joins advocates across the country in reiterating its call to Canada to end immigration detention and uphold the right to health for all. Read more: www.hivlegalnetwork.ca/site/today-i...

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Vanessa MacDonnell @vanessamacdonnell.bsky.social · 27/03/2025

REGISTRATION IS NOW OPEN! On June 10-12, 2025, the @uodroitpublaw.bsky.social, the @umontreal.ca and @schulichlaw.bsky.social will hold an academic conference to mark the 150th anniversary of the Supreme Court of Canada. Conference and registration details here: lnkd.in/esKJMbqR. Join us!

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