The federal and Ontario governments have announced C$31 million in joint funding to help internationally educated physicians, nurses and allied health professionals move more quickly into practice across Canada. The news was delivered in Ottawa on 7 October 2026 by Health Minister Marjorie Michel alongside Ontario counterpart Sylvia Jones. The largest slice—C$20 million—will expand Ontario’s Practice Ready Ontario (PRO) program, creating 50 additional residency spots per year for internationally trained family physicians through 2029. Five other national projects will receive the remaining funds to streamline credential recognition for foreign-trained nurses, occupational therapists and physiotherapists, and to build a central “hub” of licensure resources. Health-worker shortages remain acute: Statistics Canada data show more than 30,000 physician and nursing vacancies nationwide, with northern and francophone communities hardest hit. Provinces have lobbied Ottawa to broaden immigration streams and to accelerate licensing for newcomers already in Canada under temporary status. The initiative dovetails with IRCC’s 2025 Express Entry category for physicians and the 14-day work-permit processing standard unveiled last year. By adding post-arrival supports—mentorship, exam preparation and placement navigation—the government aims to convert more temporary residents into fully licensed practitioners. For globally mobile talent, the signal is clear: Canada is willing to invest public dollars to reduce the time between arrival and first pay-cheque. Hospitals and regional health authorities are expected to leverage the expanded PRO seats in their overseas recruitment campaigns starting this winter.
Source: Health Canada News Release
