59 cents is not a lot for many people.  According to Matthew Dueck, though, that sum of money can make a world of a difference for refugees coming to Canada.  Having grown up in Kleefeld and formerly lived in Steinbach, Dueck helped found the 59 Cents Campaign, which seeks to reverse government cuts to refugee healthcare.

He explains the changes being made by Immigration Minister Jason Kenney to the Interim Federal Health Care program are not acceptable.  Dueck says refugees often arrive with little financial aid and English skills, and likely deal with trauma.

"The idea of trying to get a job after having just escaped traumatic experiences just seems very unreasonable.  Based on that, these people need a chance to get on their feet and have a chance at healing, and to have a better future in this country."  He notes this is why it is important refugees receive extra medical coverage.

The campaign is based on the idea that the removal of funding will save $20,000,000 each year - or about 59 cents per individual in Canada.  Dueck says they are asking people to petition Prime Minister Stephen Harper to cancel the cuts, adds that locals can help.

"The best way they can do that is to mail their 59 cents to the Prime Minister of Canada, and tell him they would like to see the funding to the Interim Federal Health Care Program reinstated."  Dueck says Harper's address is listed on the 59 Cent Campaign's Facebook page and in their YouTube video.

To illustrate the hardships refugees are already facing, he tells the story of such a mother-of-two from a few weeks ago.

"She had some dental work done, and was given the bill for having three wisdom teeth removed.  Her husband is still stuck internationally and cannot come to Canada.  I can only imagine it would be huge for her to try to come up with the money for that type of dental surgery, never mind being on her own in a foreign country with two kids."  Although the changes were only supposed to be implemented on June 30th, Dueck says this type of dental work was previously covered by the system.

Overall, he adds the decision to make the cuts reflects poorly on Canada as a whole.

"Talking to people who are from other countries, they know that Canada provides a beacon of hope to people who are experiencing these traumatic situations and need to come to Canada under refugee status.  To remove this type of health care - it's detrimental to that image and to our image around the world."  Dueck says the campaign is being organized by a group of about five, out of their moral obligations as citizens.

It is interesting to note how this drive began on June 22nd.  Dueck says it started simply as a class project at Canadian Mennonite University's Canadian School of Peacebuilding.

"A small group of us were to create a project that was to be presented in class on an advocacy brief for something that could be implemented into Canadian civil society."  He says instructors were immediately impressed and prompted the students to carry out the campaign in reality.

While he says it is unknown how many people are now on board around the country, Dueck notes the young movement has had a successful start through networking.

"We feel that it is growing, and it definitely is reaching far east and far west."

For more information, visit the 59 Cents Campaign Facebook page HERE.