Why This Matters
Canada’s healthcare system is in crisis.

• 5 million Canadians lack access to a family doctor (Canadian Institute for Health Information, 2023).Wait times for specialized care exceed six months in many provinces.
• Rural and underserved areas continue to struggle with critical shortages of healthcare professionals.

Meanwhile, thousands of Internationally Educated Healthcare Professionals (IEHPs) enter Canada every year, approved for permanent residency or work permits based on their education and experience in healthcare. However:

• Fewer than 40% transition into regulated healthcare roles after arriving (Statistics Canada, 2022).
• Many IEHPs take jobs in unrelated fields, such as driving taxis or working in warehouses, wasting their talent and training.

This mismatch hurts everyone:

• IEHPs face barriers like lack of mentorship, and limited transitional job options.
• Canadians suffer from prolonged wait times and fewer healthcare providers.
• Taxpayers fund immigration programs and services that fail to fulfill their purpose.

By failing to integrate IEHPs effectively, we waste valuable skills and resources while leaving healthcare needs unmet. We can—and must—do better.

 
Our Ask
We call on the Ministry of Immigration to implement the following measurable and objective actions, as outlined in the Canada’s First National IEHP Integration Charter:

 1. A Critical Step: Pass the First Exam Before Arrival
One actionable step to improve integration:

Require healthcare professionals entering Canada under certain NOC codes to pass the first level of licensing exams (e.g., MCQs or equivalent) before arriving.

This ensures that:

• IEHPs arrive prepared and confident, reducing financial strain, depression, and underemployment.
• Licensing challenges are addressed early, enabling preparation in their home country, where costs are more manageable.
• Canada’s immigration pathways align with healthcare workforce needs, ensuring IEHPs can contribute effectively upon arrival.

 2. Notify IEHPs of Licensing and Resource Pathways Upon Arrival

• Provide every IEHP with region-specific resource guides upon granting work permits or permanent residency, including:
  • Licensing requirements tailored to their profession.
    Contacts for regulatory bodies, healthcare employers, and training programs.
  • Information on government-funded programs to assist with licensing and employment.
• Include a welcoming acknowledgment of their contribution to Canada’s healthcare system, along with a clear outline of next steps.

3. Establish Employment Support Systems to Keep IEHPs in Healthcare

• Collaborate with the Ministry of Employment to establish transitional job programs for IEHPs in healthcare settings, allowing them to remain in the field while working toward licensure.

These systems will keep IEHPs connected to healthcare, ensuring their expertise benefits Canadians and supporting a sustainable workforce.

 
Why This Is Important For Canada:
Integrating IEHPs into healthcare roles addresses critical workforce shortages, reduces wait times, and improves access to care, particularly in rural and underserved communities. A stronger healthcare workforce benefits everyone.

For Canadians:
When IEHPs succeed, Canadians win. Communities gain timely access to skilled healthcare professionals, improving outcomes for everyone. Supporting IEHPs strengthens Canada’s healthcare system for future generations.

For IEHPs:
IEHPs bring years of training and experience, but barriers often prevent them from contributing fully. This petition ensures they have the resources and opportunities to succeed, preventing the waste of their talent and expertise.

 
What We’re Asking You to Do

Sign this petition to support:

1. Streamlined immigration pathways that align with healthcare needs.
2. Transparent resource notifications to help IEHPs navigate licensing and integration.
3. Employment support systems that keep IEHPs engaged in healthcare, benefiting all Canadians.

By signing, you advocate for policies that empower IEHPs and strengthen Canada’s healthcare system. Together, we can create a system that values all professionals—whether trained in Canada or abroad.

 
Stand with IEHPs, Stand for Better Healthcare
This is about fairness, collaboration, and building a stronger healthcare system. Let’s work together to unlock the potential of IEHPs for a healthier, more inclusive Canada.

Sign and share this petition today!