Dozens rally in Vancouver to demand end of health-care fees for international students
Dozens marched from Joyce-Collingwood SkyTrain Station to Health Minister Adrian Dix's office Thursday evening to protest the fee B.C. charges international students for health care.
The province implemented the fee in September 2019, as it was phasing out Medical Services Plan premiums for everyone else in the province. Anyone with a study permit is charged $75 per month.
Organizers of the protest argue the additional cost is unfair to international students, who already pay high tuition fees and rent.
"It's very exclusionary and very unjust," said Rahil Adeli, a recent graduate and former international student from Iran.
"A fair society should be equitable for everyone, and it doesn't matter if I pay this fee or not, we need to speak up for the rights of all people, our friends, everyone in our society," she continued.
Another organizer said it's upsetting to see how many people are impacted by the fee.
"It makes me angry to see the government caving into racist attacks on international students and imposing a fee on international students who are struggling," said Omar Chu of Sanctuary Health.
"We're supposed to live in a universal health-care system, and part of universality is making sure that everyone who is covered by health care has equal access," he added.
While Dix's office was closed, the protest was a symbolic gesture to raise awareness of the issue.
"They think that international students are here to pay, they're here to make money for the province, and that's not a fair way to treat international students," said Cameron Anderson, an international student from the United States.
"They don't need to do this. They're doing it because they can and because a lot of people don't care," he added.
CTV News reached out to the province for comment, but did not receive a response in time for publication.
CTVNews.ca Top Stories
From outer space? Sask. farmers baffled after discovering strange wreckage in field
A family of fifth generation farmers from Ituna, Sask. are trying to find answers after discovering several strange objects lying on their land.
Pearson gold heist suspect arrested after flying into Toronto from India
Another suspect is in custody in connection with the gold heist at Toronto Pearson International Airport last year, police say.
Broadcaster and commentator Rex Murphy dead at 77: National Post
The National Post is reporting that Rex Murphy, the pundit and columnist who hosted a national call-in radio show for decades, has died.
Millions of cyberattacks per hour as B.C. government investigates multiple breaches
Careful attention to government statements and legislation is required to get a handle on the level of risk British Columbians’ information is under, as investigators probe multiple breaches under a continued barrage of attacks.
Ontario family receives massive hospital bill as part of LTC law, refuses to pay
A southwestern Ontario woman has received an $8,400 bill from a hospital in Windsor, Ont., after she refused to put her mother in a nursing home she hated -- and she says she has no intention of paying it.
Debate on abortion rights erupts on Parliament Hill, Poilievre vows he won't legislate
A Conservative government led by Pierre Poilievre would not legislate on, nor use the notwithstanding clause, on abortion, his office says, as anti-abortion protesters gather on Parliament Hill.
Justin and Hailey Bieber are expecting their first child together
Hailey and Justin Bieber are going to be parents. The couple announced the news on Thursday on Instagram, both sharing a video that showcases Hailey Bieber's growing belly.
Here are the ultraprocessed foods you most need to avoid, according to a 30-year study
Studies have shown that ultraprocessed foods can have a detrimental impact on health. But 30 years of research show they don’t all have the same impact.
New 'Lord of the Rings' film coming in 2026
The Oscar-winning team behind the nearly US$6 billion blockbuster 'Lord of the Rings' and 'The Hobbit' trilogies is reuniting to produce two new films.