December 8, 2025

One of Canada’s major refugee resettlement cities, Edmonton, Alberta, receives thousands of newcomers annually, many of whom arrive with untreated complex health needs. Refugees often face significant barriers to accessing healthcare, including language challenges, unfamiliarity with the healthcare system, and unmet health needs. In response, the New Canadians Health Centre (NCHC) was established in 2021 as a principles-based community health centre providing interdisciplinary, culturally safe primary care to government-assisted refugees during their first two years in Canada.

European Journal of Public Health

December 8, 2025

Refugees often have untreated health conditions that require timely care. In Canada, settlement agencies support government-assisted refugees during their first year; however, connecting them with needed healthcare can be difficult due to language barriers, a lack of culturally appropriate care, and a physician shortage. In response, specialized refugee health centres have increasingly emerged, including the New Canadians Health Centre (NCHC) in western Canada, which was established through a collaborative partnership with the local settlement agency.

European Journal of Public Health

December 8, 2025

Refugee children encounter barriers to healthcare access when resettling in Canada because of cultural disconnects and social determinants of health (SDOH), including language barriers, systemic discrimination and unstable housing. These barriers collectively hinder their ability to navigate the healthcare system. The New Canadians Health Centre (NCHC) reduces barriers by addressing the SDOH of government-assisted refugees through wraparound clinical and social services.

European Journal of Public Health

June 28, 2022

New Canadians Health Centre, Edmonton Zone public health staff are helping newly arrived government-sponsored refugees access healthcare support. Building relationships and trust means families know how to ask for help.

March 13, 2022

Nearly 700 refugees – half from Afghanistan – have received care at the New Canadians Health Centre in Edmonton, Alta. since it opened in late August 2021. The centre is the result of a partnership between academics, local settlement and health-care organizations, and the provincial government.

Troy Media | By Gillian Rutherford

December 2, 2021

“From her first day as a Settlement Counselor at CSS 16 years ago, Astrid found that she was deeply passionate about the organization’s work, “…the first time that I went to Catholic Social Services, I was like, oh, I love this work, and helping people…that’s when I got really interested in just giving back and helping others like me who were coming to Edmonton.”