Y.Y. Brandon Chen
@yybrandonc.bsky.social
Law prof at uOttawa, SJD/JD/MSW from UofT, with interests in health, migration, substantive equality, social justice & constitutional law. He/him. yybrandonchen.com
Pinned
Y.Y. Brandon Chen
@yybrandonc.bsky.social
· Apr 30
Supreme Court of Canada | 41210
www.scc-csc.ca
Supreme Court of Canada is scheduled to hear the Kanyinda case in 2 weeks. I'm honoured to act as counsel for @fcjrefugeecentre.mastodon.social.ap.brid.gy & @madhucentre.bsky.social in their joint intervention. We argue the Canadian Charter must meaningfully protect substantive equality of migrants.
Reposted by Y.Y. Brandon Chen
Budget 2025 demonstrates a weak commitment to expanding and improving public health care and little vision to end the crisis facing millions of Canadians who can't access the care they need.
Here are 4 things you need to know:
Here are 4 things you need to know:
4 things you need to know about health care in the federal budget
Cuts, broken promises, and missed opportunities for health care in Carney's first budget
www.healthcoalition.ca
November 5, 2025 at 7:46 PM
Budget 2025 demonstrates a weak commitment to expanding and improving public health care and little vision to end the crisis facing millions of Canadians who can't access the care they need.
Here are 4 things you need to know:
Here are 4 things you need to know:
Canada’s #Budget2025 includes plans to “introduce a modest co-payment model” to the Interim Federal Health Program for “supplemental health products or services (such as prescription medication and dental care).” In plain terms, this means cutting healthcare benefits for refugees and asylum seekers.
November 5, 2025 at 9:06 PM
Canada’s #Budget2025 includes plans to “introduce a modest co-payment model” to the Interim Federal Health Program for “supplemental health products or services (such as prescription medication and dental care).” In plain terms, this means cutting healthcare benefits for refugees and asylum seekers.
Reposted by Y.Y. Brandon Chen
Join @ottawahealthlaw.ca Oct 2–3 for a national conference: Reframing Mental Health Law: Emerging Controversies and Cross-Sector Perspectives. Keynotes: @Kwame_McKenzie & Dr. Tracy Vaillancourt. Student rates available. Hope to see you there! www.ottawahealthlaw.ca/conferences/...
Reframing Mental Health Law – Emerging Controversies and Cross-Sector Perspectives
Conference @University of Ottawa October 2/3, 2025
www.ottawahealthlaw.ca
July 20, 2025 at 8:49 PM
Join @ottawahealthlaw.ca Oct 2–3 for a national conference: Reframing Mental Health Law: Emerging Controversies and Cross-Sector Perspectives. Keynotes: @Kwame_McKenzie & Dr. Tracy Vaillancourt. Student rates available. Hope to see you there! www.ottawahealthlaw.ca/conferences/...
This winter I was privileged to partake in a working group led by N4 (National Newcomer Navigation Network) that aimed to improve health equity for users of the Interim Federal Health Program. The final report, with a list of recommendations, can be found here: www.yybrandonchen.com/_files/ugd/2...
June 16, 2025 at 6:48 PM
This winter I was privileged to partake in a working group led by N4 (National Newcomer Navigation Network) that aimed to improve health equity for users of the Interim Federal Health Program. The final report, with a list of recommendations, can be found here: www.yybrandonchen.com/_files/ugd/2...
The so-called “Strong Borders Act” will significantly weaken Canada’s humanitarian tradition and commitment to human rights. Check out this statement from Canadian Council for Refugees:
Statement on Bill C-2 | Canadian Council for Refugees
June 5, 2025
ccrweb.ca
June 6, 2025 at 6:32 AM
The so-called “Strong Borders Act” will significantly weaken Canada’s humanitarian tradition and commitment to human rights. Check out this statement from Canadian Council for Refugees:
Supreme Court of Canada is scheduled to hear the Kanyinda case in 2 weeks. I'm honoured to act as counsel for @fcjrefugeecentre.mastodon.social.ap.brid.gy & @madhucentre.bsky.social in their joint intervention. We argue the Canadian Charter must meaningfully protect substantive equality of migrants.
Supreme Court of Canada | 41210
www.scc-csc.ca
April 30, 2025 at 8:04 PM
Supreme Court of Canada is scheduled to hear the Kanyinda case in 2 weeks. I'm honoured to act as counsel for @fcjrefugeecentre.mastodon.social.ap.brid.gy & @madhucentre.bsky.social in their joint intervention. We argue the Canadian Charter must meaningfully protect substantive equality of migrants.
Reposted by Y.Y. Brandon Chen
Today, on Refugee Rights Day, the HIV Legal Network joins advocates across the country in reiterating its call to Canada to end immigration detention and uphold the right to health for all.
Read more: www.hivlegalnetwork.ca/site/today-i...
Read more: www.hivlegalnetwork.ca/site/today-i...
April 4, 2025 at 6:37 PM
Today, on Refugee Rights Day, the HIV Legal Network joins advocates across the country in reiterating its call to Canada to end immigration detention and uphold the right to health for all.
Read more: www.hivlegalnetwork.ca/site/today-i...
Read more: www.hivlegalnetwork.ca/site/today-i...
Reposted by Y.Y. Brandon Chen
REGISTRATION IS NOW OPEN! On June 10-12, 2025, the @uodroitpublaw.bsky.social, the @umontreal.ca and @schulichlaw.bsky.social will hold an academic conference to mark the 150th anniversary of the Supreme Court of Canada. Conference and registration details here: lnkd.in/esKJMbqR. Join us!
March 27, 2025 at 7:57 PM
REGISTRATION IS NOW OPEN! On June 10-12, 2025, the @uodroitpublaw.bsky.social, the @umontreal.ca and @schulichlaw.bsky.social will hold an academic conference to mark the 150th anniversary of the Supreme Court of Canada. Conference and registration details here: lnkd.in/esKJMbqR. Join us!
Reposted by Y.Y. Brandon Chen
Gabriel Allahdua, with the Association for the Rights of Household and Farm Workers, is sharing insights on advocating for the rights and well-being of migrant workers. A crucial conversation on the culture of silence and migrant labour rights! #MigrantRights #CHLPE #WorkersRights
February 25, 2025 at 5:36 PM
Gabriel Allahdua, with the Association for the Rights of Household and Farm Workers, is sharing insights on advocating for the rights and well-being of migrant workers. A crucial conversation on the culture of silence and migrant labour rights! #MigrantRights #CHLPE #WorkersRights
Reposted by Y.Y. Brandon Chen
Kerian Burnett is sharing her powerful journey as a former migrant worker and cancer survivor. Her story sheds light on the challenges of accessing healthcare. A truly impactful and inspiring presentation! Join the @ottawahealthlaw sponsored event. #MigrantRights #HealthcareAccess #CHLPE
February 25, 2025 at 5:12 PM
Kerian Burnett is sharing her powerful journey as a former migrant worker and cancer survivor. Her story sheds light on the challenges of accessing healthcare. A truly impactful and inspiring presentation! Join the @ottawahealthlaw sponsored event. #MigrantRights #HealthcareAccess #CHLPE
Reposted by Y.Y. Brandon Chen
Happening now! Stacey Gomez, Executive Director of the Centre for Migrant Worker Rights in Nova Scotia, is presenting @ottawahealthlaw sponsored event. Don’t miss her insights on migrant worker health advocacy and social justice! 🌎✊ #MigrantRights #CHLPE #SocialJustice
February 25, 2025 at 4:52 PM
Happening now! Stacey Gomez, Executive Director of the Centre for Migrant Worker Rights in Nova Scotia, is presenting @ottawahealthlaw sponsored event. Don’t miss her insights on migrant worker health advocacy and social justice! 🌎✊ #MigrantRights #CHLPE #SocialJustice
Spoke to CBC News about the health care insecurity of Iranian newcomers who are in Quebec under a temporary immigration policy. /1 www.cbc.ca/news/canada/...
They came to Canada to escape political instability in Iran. Now, Quebec is denying them health coverage | CBC News
Political instability in Iran prompted Canada to offer special immigration measures to Iranians, but open work permit holders are not eligible for public health insurance coverage in Quebec.
www.cbc.ca
February 25, 2025 at 2:20 PM
Spoke to CBC News about the health care insecurity of Iranian newcomers who are in Quebec under a temporary immigration policy. /1 www.cbc.ca/news/canada/...
Honoured to be part of this event to dissect the current state of Medicare. Will take this opportunity to push for a more inclusive Medicare for migrants.
SOS Medicare 3.0 Conference! February 24, 2025. Hosted by the Canadian Health Coalition & partners and featuring CHLPE members: Ivy Bourgeault and Y.Y. Chen.
Learn more: sosmedicare.ca
#SOSMedicare #Medicare3 #PublicHealthCare
#SOSMedicare #Medicare3 #PublicHealthCare
SOS Medicare 3.0 – Building a Public Health Care Movement
sosmedicare.ca
February 24, 2025 at 3:21 PM
Honoured to be part of this event to dissect the current state of Medicare. Will take this opportunity to push for a more inclusive Medicare for migrants.
Reposted by Y.Y. Brandon Chen
Feb 25th! Migrant Workers' Right to Health Care. Come join this panel moderated by the brilliant @yybrandonc.bsky.social in Fauteux Hall Room 359 at 11:30am.
February 18, 2025 at 5:43 PM
Feb 25th! Migrant Workers' Right to Health Care. Come join this panel moderated by the brilliant @yybrandonc.bsky.social in Fauteux Hall Room 359 at 11:30am.
Reposted by Y.Y. Brandon Chen
Share some love AND support the HIV Legal Network this Valentine’s Day!
Let the people you love know how much you value them and how deeply you care about human rights by sending a Valentine’s Day message through the HIV Legal Network.
www.gifttool.com/donations/Do...
Let the people you love know how much you value them and how deeply you care about human rights by sending a Valentine’s Day message through the HIV Legal Network.
www.gifttool.com/donations/Do...
February 13, 2025 at 4:15 PM
Share some love AND support the HIV Legal Network this Valentine’s Day!
Let the people you love know how much you value them and how deeply you care about human rights by sending a Valentine’s Day message through the HIV Legal Network.
www.gifttool.com/donations/Do...
Let the people you love know how much you value them and how deeply you care about human rights by sending a Valentine’s Day message through the HIV Legal Network.
www.gifttool.com/donations/Do...
Kerian Burnett was diagnosed with cancer when working as a migrant farm worker. She was denied health coverage and she also lost her job because of her health condition. On Feb. 25, she tells us her experience & the impressive work involved in her successful advocacy for migrant healthcare. Join us!
Join @ottawahealthlaw.ca at the University of Ottawa on Tuesday February 25 at 11:30 am–1:00 pm for "Migrant Workers’ Right to Health Care: Lived and Frontline". Featuring Kerian Burnett, Stacey Gomez, Gabriel Allahdua, and Y.Y. Chen. All welcome! www.ottawahealthlaw.ca/events/migrants
Migrant Workers’ Right to Health Care
Event
www.ottawahealthlaw.ca
February 12, 2025 at 7:07 PM
Kerian Burnett was diagnosed with cancer when working as a migrant farm worker. She was denied health coverage and she also lost her job because of her health condition. On Feb. 25, she tells us her experience & the impressive work involved in her successful advocacy for migrant healthcare. Join us!
Honoured to be a part of #SOSMedicare2025 Conference in Ottawa, to stand up for public health care and support frontline workers. Hope you can join us on Feb. 24-25! 💪🏽🏥 sosmedicare.ca
SOS Medicare 3.0 – Building a Public Health Care Movement
sosmedicare.ca
February 6, 2025 at 8:14 PM
Honoured to be a part of #SOSMedicare2025 Conference in Ottawa, to stand up for public health care and support frontline workers. Hope you can join us on Feb. 24-25! 💪🏽🏥 sosmedicare.ca
Reposted by Y.Y. Brandon Chen
Oh, look: The thing that Canadian immigration law experts said would happen, happened
Closing safe routes for asylum seekers doesn't reduce the number of asylum seekers. It increases irregular movement, enriches smugglers & puts lives at risk
www.theglobeandmail.com/politics/art...
Closing safe routes for asylum seekers doesn't reduce the number of asylum seekers. It increases irregular movement, enriches smugglers & puts lives at risk
www.theglobeandmail.com/politics/art...
![Image of excerpts from news article:
The Globe and Mail
Immigration department received intelligence about huge rise in clandestine US-Canada border crossings last year
[…] The CBSA briefing says that since the border crossing at Roxham Road in Quebec was closed in 2023, stopping people immediately claiming asylum with a change to the Safe Third Country Agreement with the U.S., there has been a big increase in people clandestinely crossing the border into Canada.
“Clandestine entry into Canada has grown exponentially since the implementation of the Additional Protocol (AP) to the Safe Third Country Agreement (STCA),” says the report entitled “Illicit Between the Ports (BTP) movements: April to September 2023.”
[…] The CBSA intelligence report sheds light on how foreign nationals from particular countries are crossing the border clandestinely from the U.S. into Canada.
It says “human smuggling services are extensive for clandestine entries” and that payments “for end to end services” range from $3,200 to $45,000. People crossing illegally use smuggling networks which vary in sophistication, it says, and the migrants using them are placed in vulnerable situations and often exploited. The routes used to smuggle people are “often very dangerous” and can result in “bodily harm and or death.”](https://cdn.bsky.app/img/feed_thumbnail/plain/did:plc:7v5ioahjpvxy2mojphfxxtij/bafkreieqv53zr7yenrjyexs4hyalcu7wacxsju6hgseixl5espjca55oba@jpeg)
December 9, 2024 at 1:13 PM
Oh, look: The thing that Canadian immigration law experts said would happen, happened
Closing safe routes for asylum seekers doesn't reduce the number of asylum seekers. It increases irregular movement, enriches smugglers & puts lives at risk
www.theglobeandmail.com/politics/art...
Closing safe routes for asylum seekers doesn't reduce the number of asylum seekers. It increases irregular movement, enriches smugglers & puts lives at risk
www.theglobeandmail.com/politics/art...
Reposted by Y.Y. Brandon Chen
Donate to the HIV Legal Network between now and December 31, 2024 and your dollars will be doubled thanks to Andrew Beckerman and Charlie’s Challenge!
www.hivlegalnetwork.ca/site/donate/...
www.hivlegalnetwork.ca/site/donate/...
December 2, 2024 at 2:50 PM
Donate to the HIV Legal Network between now and December 31, 2024 and your dollars will be doubled thanks to Andrew Beckerman and Charlie’s Challenge!
www.hivlegalnetwork.ca/site/donate/...
www.hivlegalnetwork.ca/site/donate/...
Reposted by Y.Y. Brandon Chen
Today is December 1. World AIDS Day.
Unfortunately, we can’t hide our disappointment and frustration on this World AIDS Day.
Please see our World AIDS Day message at this link:
www.hivlegalnetwork.ca/site/this-is...
Unfortunately, we can’t hide our disappointment and frustration on this World AIDS Day.
Please see our World AIDS Day message at this link:
www.hivlegalnetwork.ca/site/this-is...
December 1, 2024 at 12:54 PM
Today is December 1. World AIDS Day.
Unfortunately, we can’t hide our disappointment and frustration on this World AIDS Day.
Please see our World AIDS Day message at this link:
www.hivlegalnetwork.ca/site/this-is...
Unfortunately, we can’t hide our disappointment and frustration on this World AIDS Day.
Please see our World AIDS Day message at this link:
www.hivlegalnetwork.ca/site/this-is...
Reposted by Y.Y. Brandon Chen
The Canadian government built and owns a fully licensed, biologics manufacturing site that is sitting idle and has produced nothing for years.
@healthlawadamh.bsky.social and I think this is a solid opportunity for Canada to close gaps in access to medicines for which there is a market failure. 🩺🧪
@healthlawadamh.bsky.social and I think this is a solid opportunity for Canada to close gaps in access to medicines for which there is a market failure. 🩺🧪
Opinion: Let's put Montreal's idle pharmaceutical plant to good use
For a fraction of the amount already spent on a factory that produces nothing, Canada could use the BMC facility to help fill a crucial gap.
montrealgazette.com
November 28, 2024 at 12:00 PM
The Canadian government built and owns a fully licensed, biologics manufacturing site that is sitting idle and has produced nothing for years.
@healthlawadamh.bsky.social and I think this is a solid opportunity for Canada to close gaps in access to medicines for which there is a market failure. 🩺🧪
@healthlawadamh.bsky.social and I think this is a solid opportunity for Canada to close gaps in access to medicines for which there is a market failure. 🩺🧪
Reposted by Y.Y. Brandon Chen
@shaunalabman.bsky.social and I wrote a thing!
New commentary from @meggaucher.bsky.social & me on Canada-US border & the dangerous language of loopholes. A sneak peak from our chapter in @emmettmacfarlane.com & @katepuddister.bsky.social forthcoming book Disciplinary Divides in the Study of Law & Politics!
theconversation.com/why-the-lang...
theconversation.com/why-the-lang...
Why the ‘language of loopholes’ should be avoided if Trump cracks down on the Canada-U.S. border
Focus on supposed ‘loopholes’ that allow migrants to claim asylum echoes Canada’s longstanding preoccupation with how people negotiate the border.
theconversation.com
November 28, 2024 at 5:46 PM
@shaunalabman.bsky.social and I wrote a thing!
Come and join us next Wednesday (Dec. 4) at The 519 in Toronto for a workshop and discussion on the Interim Federal Health Program!
November 26, 2024 at 8:35 PM
Come and join us next Wednesday (Dec. 4) at The 519 in Toronto for a workshop and discussion on the Interim Federal Health Program!
I was quoted in this CBC article re: the Interim Federal Health Program (IFHP), which provides important health coverage to refugees & refugee claimants. www.cbc.ca/news/politic... Largely, the news report accurately reflects what I said. But the quote at the end requires some contextualization. /1
www.cbc.ca
November 22, 2024 at 5:41 PM
I was quoted in this CBC article re: the Interim Federal Health Program (IFHP), which provides important health coverage to refugees & refugee claimants. www.cbc.ca/news/politic... Largely, the news report accurately reflects what I said. But the quote at the end requires some contextualization. /1
Reposted by Y.Y. Brandon Chen
"Governing Reproduction: Exploring Law and Politics” is underway! In our first panel, Joanna Erdman, Véronique Pronovost, Kelly Gordon, and Elena Caruso discuss the legal issues and politics surrounding abortion.
November 21, 2024 at 2:43 PM
"Governing Reproduction: Exploring Law and Politics” is underway! In our first panel, Joanna Erdman, Véronique Pronovost, Kelly Gordon, and Elena Caruso discuss the legal issues and politics surrounding abortion.