Canada invests $86 million for foreign healthcare credentials. The funding will speed up the accreditation for IEHP, i.e., internationally educated health professionals, since extended wait times & difficulty seeking a family physician are common issues across the nation. 

The support will increase the capacity for foreign credential recognition of approx. 6600 IEHPs & will help educated & skilled immigrants get recognition for their international credentials. 

The 15 funded projects across Canada will: 

  • Reduce barriers to foreign credential recognition for IEHPs by improving the recognition process, thus simplifying steps in credential recognition & offering increased access to participate in the field. 
  • Provide IEHPs with relevant Canadian work experience in intended fields while incorporating other supports such as transport & childcare costs, mentoring & coaching, etc. 
  • Facilitate labor mobility between jurisdictions in Canada for health professionals & IEHPs to reduce barriers for health professionals who want to work in another jurisdiction in Canada. 

This declaration comes after the commitment in October 2023 at the Health Ministers Meeting, wherein the government pledged to take concrete actions in order to address the obstacles/ challenges faced by the healthcare workforce in Canada. The funding will go towards key healthcare professions like nursing, pharmacy, dentistry, respiratory therapy, etc. 

Randy Boissonnault, the Minister of Employment, Workforce Development, & Official Languages, asserted that honoring the professional credentials of immigrants/ newcomers is a compassionate & effective component of expanding Canada’s workforce. He further states that the Foreign Credentials Recognition speeds up the accreditation for 6600 people & it is the best way to fill labor gaps, strengthen the healthcare system & develop the economy. 

Canada’s Healthcare Sector 

As Canada invests $86 million in foreign healthcare credentials, it is vital to note that newcomers can fully use their skills, experience, & talents. 

Last year, IRCC launched category-based draws. Moreover, healthcare professions are among the five categories of professions IRCC chose to prioritize through Express Entry draws. Healthcare professions were selected because Canada has been constantly facing an acute shortage of healthcare workers. 

In addition, the healthcare sector has been experiencing high job vacancies. In the second quarter of 2023, a total of 90,000 positions in healthcare professions remained unfulfilled. 

According to IRCC data, over 36% of physicians & 25% of registered nurses in Canada were born outside the nation. Foreign-trained medical professionals have found it difficult to get proper licensing in Canada. 

The Budget 2022 announcement included a funding of $115 million over five years beginning in 20233-2023. Out of this, over $30 million went into the Foreign Credential Recognition Program. The Foreign Credential Recognition program works closely with provinces, territories, regulatory bodies & other organizations by funding projects that support efficient & faster credential recognition systems. 

These investments complement other Canadian government funding that supports newcomers. The Settlement Program managed by IRCC helps newcomers settle & adapt to life in Canada. Part of these services is employment-related & help with foreign credential recognition.