Health care remains the number one concern for Canadians, and recent surveys confirm that the country’s healthcare system is struggling due to a shortage of medical professionals. A new study by the immigration professional reveals that millions of Canadians are facing long wait times, and over 6.5 million people don’t have access to a family doctor.
The Growing Healthcare Crisis in Canada
Canada’s healthcare system is under immense pressure, with record-high wait times and a critical shortage of doctors, nurses, and other medical professionals. In Ontario alone, there were 2,600 unfilled physician positions as of January 2025. This crisis has led to growing concerns among residents, with many advocating for an increase in foreign-trained healthcare professionals.
Why Immigration Is the Solution to Canada’s Healthcare Shortage
Canada has a growing population with an increasing demand for medical services. However, strict licensing requirements and limited residency spots prevent many internationally trained medical professionals from practicing in Canada.
A study conducted by the immigration professional among members of the Angus Reid Forum found that:
- 61% of Canadians support increasing the number of foreign-trained doctors to help reduce healthcare wait times.
- 79% believe that foreign-trained doctors can provide the same level of care as Canadian-trained professionals.
Despite this strong public support, barriers to licensing make it difficult for skilled medical professionals to contribute to Canada’s healthcare system.
Licensing Challenges Faced by Foreign-Trained Medical Professionals
Even experienced foreign-trained doctors face significant challenges in obtaining licenses to practice in Canada.
For instance, in Ontario, physicians must complete one year of postgraduate training or a full clinical clerkship at a Canadian medical school. However, the competition for medical residency spots is fierce:
- In 2024, 95% of Canadian medical graduates secured residencies.
- Only 42% of foreign-trained physicians were able to obtain residency placements.
This disparity makes it nearly impossible for qualified foreign doctors to practice in Canada, despite the country’s urgent need for medical professionals.
How Canada Can Improve Access to Healthcare Through Immigration
To address the healthcare crisis, Canada needs to reduce barriers for internationally trained doctors and nurses. Some key solutions include:
- Increase medical residency spots for foreign-trained professionals.
- Develop alternative pathways for experienced physicians to obtain licenses without requiring a full residency.
- Allow foreign-trained doctors on work permits to become licensed without needing Canadian permanent residency first.
- Simplify the credential recognition process to help doctors and nurses integrate into the workforce faster.
The Role of Immigration in Managing Canada’s Aging Population
Canada’s population is aging rapidly, leading to increased demand for healthcare services. Without enough doctors and nurses, the system will struggle to meet the needs of older Canadians. Immigration plays a vital role in:
- Bringing in skilled healthcare workers to fill gaps in the workforce.
- Maintaining a sustainable population growth rate to support Canada’s economy.
- Ensuring a strong healthcare system for future generations.
Canadians Want Change – Now Is the Time to Act
The Canadian government must take urgent action to remove unnecessary barriers preventing skilled foreign doctors and nurses from working in Canada. With overwhelming public support, policymakers must recognize that immigration is a key solution to the country’s healthcare crisis.
To learn more about how immigration can help strengthen Canada’s healthcare system, Schedule a Free Consultation with our experts today.
