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The Alberta government says it is pausing a policy change that cut access to provincial health coverage for some temporary foreign workers earlier this year.<\/p>\n
On Jan. 7, 2026, the province quietly removed access to public health care for people on International Experience Canada (IEC) Type 58 permits, including those on working holiday and young professional visas.<\/p>\n
The government did not publicly announce the change. Workers only found out they were no longer eligible when they tried to register for coverage or renew their health cards.<\/p>\n
The issue gained particular attention in the Bow Valley, where the tourism industry relies on temporary foreign workers. The Bow Valley Immigration Partnership estimates there are hundreds of people on these types of work permits in the region.<\/p>\n
In a statement to CBC News, Alberta\u2019s Ministry of Primary and Preventative Health Services said it has heard concerns from employers and workers about what it called a \u201cpremature decision\u201d made within the department.\u00a0<\/p>\n
The government says it has now paused the change while it reviews the policy.<\/p>\n