Doug Gruner says that a welcoming approach toward refugees is a key to their successful integration into Canadian life, and access to health care is vital to the process.

Gruner practices at the Bruyère Family Medicine Centre in Ottawa. He spoke recently to a class at the Ottawa School of Theology and Spirituality (OSTS). "Once we make a decision to accept refugees," he said, "it is our responsibility to provide them with health care."

Honeymoon phase is over

Referring to the Syrian refugees who arrived earlier this year Gruner added, "We are past the honeymoon phase that occurs when refugees first arrive. We are now seeing a lot of physical and mental health issues."