What new initiative has Manitoba announced?

Manitoba has announced plans to fast track licensing for up to 90 more internationally trained physicians. This initiative aims to expand access to care in rural and northern communities. Federal health minister Marjorie Michel and provincial health minister Uzoma Asagwara made this announcement on Oct. 14, 2026, in Winnipeg. The goal is to license more internationally trained physicians as family doctors through a specific assessment process.

How will internationally trained physicians be licensed?

The licensing process involves Practice Ready Assessment to Manitoba to Family Practice, which includes a three month Family Practice Assessment. To become licensed, internationally trained physicians must be sponsored by a Health Service Delivery Organization and sign a return of service agreement. They also need to pass required examinations and meet criteria for work experience, education, and language proficiency.

What does this mean for healthcare access in Manitoba?

Up to 90 more internationally trained physicians are expected to be licensed through to 2028 to 2029. These additional professionals are intended to expand access to care in rural and northern communities, including in emergency departments and clinics. This expansion is supported by $6M in new federal funding, subject to the finalization of an agreement between the Government of Canada and the Government of Manitoba.

What is the broader context of this federal funding?

This expansion is supported by $6M in new funding pledged by the federal government. On Oct. 7, 2026, Health Canada announced up to 200 additional fast track spots for licensing of internationally trained physicians as family doctors in Ontario, at a cost of $20M. This was part of a larger package of $31M in federal funding for six projects related to supporting the integration of internationally educated health professionals into the Canadian workforce.