They came to Canada to escape political instability in Iran. Now, Quebec is denying them health coverage
CBC
When a metal ladder fell and hit Somayeh Ahmadiseddigh in the head at work earlier this month, she was dizzy, nauseous and had trouble standing up.
A colleague drove her to the hospital in Quebec City, but when she arrived, she was told it would cost $1,200 to see a doctor because she did not have a provincial health-care card.
Although she had private insurance, the hospital receptionist said she'd have to pay upfront and claim the cost with her insurance company later.
"I didn't know if I would get my money back," said Ahmadiseddigh.
She and her brother tried a few other hospitals, but got the same response. She returned home not knowing the extent of her injury.
"My brother stayed up all night beside my bed in fear that something would happen to me," said Ahmadiseddigh.
The following day, she paid $250 to be seen at a walk-in clinic, which diagnosed her with a minor concussion.
The whole experience left her feeling angry and vulnerable.
Due to the political instability in Iran, Ahmadiseddigh moved to Quebec City with her daughter, Céline, last year.
"I couldn't stay because I didn't want to wear a hijab and there were several occasions that I had an incident with the morality police and I didn't feel safe and my family was worried," said Ahmadiseddigh.
She obtained an open work permit, which is valid for three years. But, in Quebec, this group of workers is not eligible for public health insurance coverage, known as RAMQ.
"It's discrimination in my opinion," said Ahmadiseddigh. "I think it's not humane."
In 2022, an Iranian woman named Mahsa Amini was arrested for failing to properly wear a hijab. She later died in police custody.
Protests followed and there was a brutal crackdown by the Iranian regime.
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