Dear Honorable Members of Health Canada,

I hope this letter finds you well. I write to you today with a matter of utmost urgency and heartfelt importance concerning a Statement of Need (SON) from Health Canada for Yonas Fetle(M.D), a deserving individual whose aspirations are intertwined with serving humanity through the noble profession of medicine.

Yonas Fetle arrived in Canada on May 5, 2022, seeking refuge from the turmoil in Ethiopia. Designated as a Protected Person by the Canadian government since May 2023, he embodies resilience, hope, and gratitude towards his newfound home, Canada. Driven by his passion for healing, Yonas diligently pursued the qualifications necessary to practice medicine in North America; he passed USMLE Step, USMLE Step 2, Occupational English Test( OET) along with overcoming numerous obstacles along the way.

After years of unwavering dedication, Yonas received the life-changing news of his acceptance into an internal medicine residency program at Marshall University Hospital in West Virginia, USA. This opportunity not only represents a milestone in his professional journey but also a chance to contribute his skills and expertise to communities in need.

However, Yonas faces a critical hurdle in his path. Despite fulfilling the requirement of obtaining verification of status (VOS) as instructed by Health Canada, he was unexpectedly informed that a Permanent Resident (PR) status is necessary to obtain the SON. This discrepancy has caused profound distress and jeopardizes Yonas's ability to commence his residency on June 17, 2024.

It is worth noting that Health Canada has previously granted SONs to individuals in similar circumstances, who were Protected Persons with pending permanent residency. This precedent highlights the feasibility and importance of accommodating exceptional cases, ensuring that deserving candidates like Yonas are not denied opportunities due to bureaucratic constraints.

Yonas has diligently provided all necessary documentation, including communication with the Education Commission for Foreign Medical Graduates (ECFMG), confirming his eligibility for the J1 visa sponsorship if Health Canada provides him the SON. His commitment to serving both Canada and the global community is evident through his unwavering dedication and the support he has garnered from various stakeholders, including the Ethiopian community in Toronto.

In light of the urgency and significance of Yonas's situation, I implore Health Canada to reconsider its stance and expedite the issuance of the SON to facilitate his start in the residency program. By doing so, Health Canada would not only uphold its commitment to supporting healthcare professionals but also honor the principles of fairness, compassion, and inclusivity.

I urge you to review Yonas's case with the utmost urgency and empathy, recognizing the transformative impact that this opportunity holds for him and the countless lives he is destined to touch through his vocation. Time is of the essence, and a swift resolution is imperative to prevent the loss of this invaluable opportunity.

Your timely intervention can make a world of difference in Yonas's journey toward realizing his dreams and serving humanity with compassion and excellence.

April 16, 2024