Healthcare For All is a racial justice issue

March 21st is the International Day for the Elimination of Racial Discrimination, and today we are drawing attention to the unjust policies that lock thousands of racialized migrants living in Ontario out of access to basic, and life saving, healthcare.

Ontario’s economy depends on the labour of migrants from racialized communities. Many migrants work “essential” low-income jobs in agriculture, the service industry, construction, healthcare, and more. But under current provincial health policies, thousands of these migrants are shut out from basic services like healthcare. This happens despite the fact that migrants without status pay for public services through taxes.

Jose is one such worker. He had been working in construction until his devastating injury for which he had to seek emergency care. The medical bills he received pushed him to the brink of bankruptcy, and the financial stress has had a damaging impact on his mental health and wellbeing. This is his story.

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The affordability crisis is impacting us all. And after decades of underspending, our healthcare system is bursting at the seams. Racist policies divide us at moments that need utmost unity. We cannot let this happen. 

Ensuring equitable access to care would make our workplaces, schools, and communities healthier and safer for everyone. Extending public health coverage to all people living or working in Ontario -- regardless of their immigration status -- would be a big step toward eliminating racialized economic injustice. 

Join the fight to unite against racism, join the fight to demand #HealthcareForAll. 

If you haven't already, sign and share the petition.