Exhaustion, attrition and licensing challenges are eroding the depth and strength of Canada’s health workforce, impacting access to high-quality, person-centered and sustainable care. 

To help address this health human resource crisis, the Royal College is working to affect system changes that alleviate the resource and wellness issues that negatively impact our members and their ability to provide care. Among these system changes is the expansion and acceleration of pathways to the Canadian system for international medical graduates (IMGs). The Royal College is working closely with Medical Regulatory Authorities – the provincial and territorial colleges that provide licensure for physicians – as well as Health Canada, to address this situation.

We’re pleased to share that on Dec. 7, 2023, the Honourable Mark Holland, Minister of Health for Canada, announced funding of $1.49 million to enable the Royal College to substantially expand and expedite one of our three main pathways for IMGs – the Practice Eligibility Route. An additional $3.5 million in funding was announced for the Royal College to collaborate with partners to develop a National Plan for Health Workforce Well-Being to help improve health workforce retention for physicians, nurses and other health care professionals. The Royal College is grateful to work in partnership with Health Canada. 

Read the full news release from Health Canada to learn more about the funding to support Canada’s health workforce. 

Explore our 2023-26 Strategic Plan to learn more about our commitment to health human resources and workforce well-being.