Community pharmacy professionals are often among the first healthcare professionals newcomers to Canada encounter. These patients may face unique challenges that should be considered during care, such as communication barriers, differences in medication availability and naming, and unfamiliarity with the Canadian health care system.
This tool helps Ontario pharmacy professionals understand and navigate prescription coverage options for newcomers. While there is a particular focus on refugee claimants and coverage available through the Interim Federal Health Program (IFHP), it also includes information relevant to other groups, including resettled refugees, permanent residents and undocumented (non-status) individuals.
Date Created: October 23, 2026
This resource was developed by the Ontario Pharmacists Association (OPA) with funding from the United Way of Greater Toronto, and in collaboration with the Peel Newcomer Strategy Group, LAMP Community Health Centre and WellFort Community Health Services. OPA retained full editorial autonomy throughout the development process. Please refer to OPA’s Commitment to Content Quality and Integrity for more information. The information provided in this document is intended to assist pharmacy professionals with navigating medication coverage options for newcomers to Canada living in Ontario but is not meant to be comprehensive and does not replace professional judgement and responsibilities. It is provided without warranty of any kind by OPA and OPA assumes no responsibility for any errors, omissions or inaccuracies therein. The decision for use and application of this document is the responsibility of the user. OPA assumes no liability for such use and application or any resulting outcomes. It is the responsibility of the pharmacy professional to use professional judgment in evaluating this material in light of any relevant clinical or situational data. It is intended to supplement materials provided by regulatory authorities, and should there be any discrepancies, municipal, provincial, and federal laws, policies and guidelines shall prevail. The information provided in this document is current at the time of publication. Pharmacy professionals are encouraged to confirm information with additional resources. Unauthorized reproduction or use of this tool, in whole or in part, is prohibited without the express written permission of OPA.
