This Petition is started by Association of Pakistani Physicians in Canada 

To: The Honourable Sylvia Jones, Deputy Premier and Minister of Health of Ontario

We, the undersigned, call on the Ontario Ministry of Health to immediately reverse its sudden and discriminatory policy change that bars dedicated International Medical Graduates (IMGs) from accessing first round of residency positions unless they attended an Ontario high school.

 This is an Unfair Bait-and-Switch 
Hundreds of highly skilled immigrant doctors chose Ontario, uprooted their lives, and spent years and immense savings passing Canadian exams, all based on a stable, merit-based system. To change the rules at the last minute, without warning, is a profound betrayal of their trust and sacrifice.
 It Worsens the Doctor Shortage for Everyone 
At a time when Ontario faces a critical doctor shortage, this policy blocks many qualified, passionate physicians from caring for patients. It hurts Ontarians who are waiting for a family doctor or suffering on endless waitlists.
 It’s Discriminatory and Creates a Two-Tier System 
This policy tells immigrant doctors who built their lives here as adults, paying taxes, volunteering, and raising families, that they are "not Ontario enough." It values a high school diploma from decades ago over their skills, dedication, and current contributions to our communities. 
 It Defies the Rules and Expert Judgment 
The body that actually licenses doctors in Ontario (the College of Physicians and Surgeons) does not require Ontario high school attendance. Its rules are based on medical skill and training. The new policy by government is a barrier that medical experts have not deemed necessary.
 Our Demand is Simple: 
We demand the Ministry of Health immediately rescind this unfair "Ontario high school" policy and work with IMG representatives to create a solution that is fair, merit-based, and actually helps solve Ontario's doctor shortage.
 Why This Matters: 
Ontario’s healthcare system runs on the skills and dedication of immigrant doctors. This policy tells them, “You are not welcome here,” and in doing so, it fails all Ontarians who need a doctor.

It is to be noted that the education medium of instruction in Pakistan is English, in all professional  colleges and institutions and most schools. Medical graduates from Pakistan are fluent in both written and spoken English and hence experience no additional barriers to adjusting in Canadian medical training programs, except the required training as required by the Canadian trained postgraduate residents and trainees.

Every signature sends a message: Ontario must value merit, not postal codes from decades ago. Please, sign and share this petition now!

APPIC Representatives:

Dr. Ashfaq Shuaib, President, Alberta

Dr. Mubeen F. Rafay, Vice President, Manitoba