Canada invests in newcomer health workers to ease labour shortages

Canada’s healthcare system is under strain, with long wait times, emergency room closures, and a growing shortage of family doctors affecting patients nationwide. The pressure on healthcare workers is mounting, and with tens of thousands of vacancies in the sector, the federal government is ramping up efforts to fill the gaps.

In a move to bring more internationally educated health professionals (IEHPs) into the workforce, Minister of Employment, Workforce Development and Labour, Steven MacKinnon, recently announced up to $14.3 million in funding for four organizations through the Foreign Credential Recognition Program (FCRP).

“Internationally educated professionals possess the talent and experience our healthcare sector needs,” MacKinnon said. “By investing in the Foreign Credential Recognition Program, we’re adding capable doctors, nurses and health practitioners to medical rooms across the country, growing our workforce and delivering better health outcomes for Canadians across the board.”

Faster pathways for skilled newcomers

The new funding aims to support more than 3,500 internationally trained healthcare workers by offering work placements, wage subsidies, mentoring, and training to help them navigate Canada’s credential recognition system—often cited as a major barrier preventing newcomers from working in their field.