Boosting Canada’s Workforce: Government Invests $86 Million to Fast-Track Recognition for Internationally Trained Health Professionals
Across Canada, a pressing issue is the shortage of skilled workers, particularly in the healthcare sector. Canadians often face long wait times for medical services, and the search for a family physician is a common struggle nationwide. Recognizing this challenge, the Government of Canada is taking proactive steps to address labor shortages and expedite the integration of internationally educated health professionals (IEHPs) into the workforce.
Minister of Employment, Workforce Development, and Official Languages, Randy Boissonnault, recently announced a substantial investment of up to $86 million. This funding will be distributed among 15 organizations across the country to enhance the capacity for recognizing foreign credentials of approximately 6600 IEHPs. The objective is to support these highly educated and skilled immigrants in obtaining proper recognition for their international qualifications.
The investment aims to streamline the accreditation process, making it more accessible and efficient for IEHPs. Among the initiatives, internationally trained midwives, for example, will have the opportunity to take their exams virtually even before arriving in Canada.
The 15 funded projects cover a range of strategies to overcome barriers for IEHPs:
Simplified Recognition Processes: Improving the foreign credential recognition process to reduce barriers.
Work Experience Opportunities: Providing IEHPs with relevant Canadian work experience in their respective fields.
Wrap-around Supports: Offering additional support such as childcare, transportation assistance, mentoring, and coaching.
Enhanced Labor Mobility: Facilitating the movement of health professionals between jurisdictions in Canada, reducing administrative barriers.
This initiative aligns with the commitment made by the Government of Canada, in collaboration with provinces and territories, during the October 2023 Health Ministers’ Meeting. The focus is on taking tangible actions to address challenges in the health workforce, specifically reducing the time it takes for IEHPs to join the sector.
The funding is strategically directed towards key occupations critical to the healthcare system, including nursing, pharmacy, dentistry, laboratory technicians, and respiratory therapy. The Foreign Credential Recognition Program collaborates with provinces, territories, regulatory bodies, and other organizations to support faster and more efficient credential recognition systems.
The ultimate goal of this investment is to boost Canada's economy, create quality employment opportunities, and foster a more sustainable health workforce. By actively addressing the barriers faced by internationally trained health professionals, the government is paving the way for a more inclusive and resilient healthcare system.
