The Government of Canada has introduced a new initiative to support internationally educated doctors, nurses, and health practitioners by allocating up to $14.3 million through the Foreign Credential Recognition Program (FCRP). This funding aims to create opportunities for skilled international workers to address critical labor shortages in the healthcare sector.
The investment will benefit over 3,500 internationally educated health professionals by providing work placements, wage subsidies, mentorship, training, and coaching programs. These efforts are designed to accelerate their integration into the Canadian workforce, which is facing a significant shortage, with 78,600 unfilled healthcare positions reported in the third quarter of 2024.
The funding is distributed among four organizations focused on credential recognition, job placements, and training. Special attention is given to supporting women in healthcare through initiatives like the CarriElles Santé project by Société économique de l’Ontario (SEO). This aligns with Budget 2024, which committed $50 million over two years to support credential recognition in healthcare and residential construction sectors. A national Ethical Framework has also been introduced to ensure fair and transparent recruitment and retention of international professionals in the healthcare system.
Government officials emphasize the importance of internationally educated professionals in strengthening Canada’s healthcare system. The investment is expected to ease the burden on existing healthcare workers and improve overall capacity. Canada is set to welcome 395,000 new permanent residents in 2025, many of whom are expected to be healthcare professionals.
The FCRP is streamlining the credential recognition process, reducing processing times for international licenses, and helping newcomers gain Canadian work experience in their field. Internationally trained health professionals, including doctors, nurses, pharmacists, and allied health workers, are encouraged to begin the credential recognition process through official channels, seek mentorship and placement programs, explore provincial health recruitment websites, and apply for permanent residency or skilled worker streams that prioritize healthcare professionals.
Opportunities for international health workers in Canada can be found through platforms such as Job Bank Canada, Health Force Ontario, the official Canadian immigration website, and provincial health authority websites like Alberta Health Services and BC Health Careers. The Canadian government’s investment demonstrates a commitment to integrating skilled healthcare workers into the national workforce, offering a more efficient and supportive transition for those seeking to build their careers in Canada.
