Appendix B – The List of Policies, Operational Instructions and Agreements

The Interim Federal Health Program Policy (IFHP)

The Interim Federal Health Program (IFHP) provides limited, temporary taxpayer-funded coverage of healthcare benefits. These benefits are applicable especially to those individuals or groups, who are not eligible for provincial or territorial health insurance. These could typically include:

• Protected persons
• Refugee claimants and,
• Various other specified groups

Temporary Public Policies

The authorities have issued a series of temporary public policies. Officers would need to refer to these when they comes across cases where the specifications of these policies become applicable.

• Temporary public policy concerning Tibetans living in the state of Arunachal Pradesh in India
• Temporary public policy concerning failed refugee claimants subject to the 12-month bar on requests for humanitarian and compassionate consideration following the lifting of the temporary suspension of removals (TSR) on Haiti and Zimbabwe
• Temporary public policy concerning work permits for persons currently benefitting from Haitian special measures following the lifting of the temporary suspension of removals (TSR) on Haiti
• Health coverage under the Interim Federal Health Program for persons currently benefitting from Haitian special measures
• Public policy concerning work permit requirement exemptions for caregivers
• Public policy to exempt applicants for permanent residence from certain age-based requirements between invitation to apply and application
• Public policy concerning economic class permanent residence applicants and express entry candidates whose language proficiency cannot be tested in all four language skill areas due to a physical or mental disability

Ministerial Instructions (MIs)

The Immigration and Refugee Protection Act (IRPA) of 2002 provides the legislative authority for Canada’s immigration program. The Immigration and Refugee Protection Act (IRPA) contains several provisions that enable the Minister to issue special instructions to immigration officers. These Ministerial Instructions (MIs) typically enable the Government of Canada to achieve its immigration goals in the best possible manner.

Multiculturalism Policy and Legislation

In 1971, Canada became the first country in the world to adopt a Multiculturalism Policy. Over the years, Canada’s approach to diversity has continued to evolve. As such, it remains embedded within a broad policy and legislative framework.

Agreements

Citizenship and Immigration Canada (CIC) typically enters into agreements with various other departments and governments. Officers would need to refer to these agreements when they seek to obtain further information.

Operational Manuals

Citizenship and Immigration Canada (CIC) regularly publishes manuals and operational bulletins. These manuals typically help officers obtain detailed information on various immigration-related processes and procedures. Officers would need to consult these or read the related questions and answers to facilitate their understanding of a specific subject.