RNAO President NP Lhamo Dolkar’s letter about co-payments for asylum claimants was published (Globe and Mail, March 5, 2026). 

We believe the Conservative motion proposing to restrict temporary health-care coverage for asylum claimants demonizes newcomers to Canada.

Slashing so‑called deluxe benefits for (allegedly) “bogus and fraudulent” refugee claimants and deporting non‑citizens who commit crimes would not be leadership, but reckless political theatre. It would prey on fear, fuel division and distract from the real crisis: chronic underinvestment in health care and failure to support the professionals who hold the system together.

Nurses know refugees are not the cause of surgical backlogs, emergency room closures or nursing shortages. Suggesting otherwise vilifies vulnerable people who arrive in Canada seeking safety, not special treatment.

Deportation is a punitive tactic. Real safety should come from evidence‑based policy: mental health supports, housing stability and health investments, not human beings as political props.

Canadians can do better. We should refuse rhetoric that undermines compassion, justice and the inclusive values we claim to protect.

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