1 in 7 adults in Canada report having a disability that limits their daily activities. Although the Immigration and Refugee Protection Act (2001) states that foreign nationals are inadmissible on health grounds if their health condition “might reasonably be expected to cause excess demand on health or social services,” newcomers to Canada may have disabilities that are not expected to cause excessive demand. In addition, refugees, protected persons, and those in the family class are exempt from this clause. Finally, disability is not necessarily a lifelong condition, and newcomers may develop or be diagnosed with disabilities after arrival in Canada. Therefore settlement services can expect to encounter clients with disabilities in the course of their work. IRCC’s recipient guidelines contain provisions for funding this.

Learn more: Supporting Newcomers with Disabilities; Issue 27