Manitoba to Fast-Track 90 More Foreign-Trained Doctors

Manitoba is preparing to speed up the licensing process for up to 90 additional internationally trained physicians, aiming to improve access to family doctors across the province.

Federal Health Minister Marjorie Michel and Manitoba Health Minister Uzoma Asagwara announced the expansion on October 14, 2026, at the Manitoba Legislative Building in Winnipeg.

The proposed initiative will help qualified doctors trained outside Canada begin practising sooner, particularly in rural and northern communities where medical services remain limited.

Faster Licensing Through a Three-Month Assessment

The expansion will use Manitoba's existing Practice Ready Assessment – Manitoba – Family Practice (PRA-MB-FP) program.

This pathway allows experienced internationally trained physicians to demonstrate their medical skills through a three-month family practice assessment instead of completing several years of residency training.

The program aims to help qualified physicians enter Manitoba's health care workforce while maintaining professional licensing standards.

Through the expansion, up to 90 additional family doctors could be ready to practise in Manitoba by 2028–2029.

Rural and Northern Communities Take Priority

The provincial government plans to direct additional doctors towards communities facing difficulties accessing medical care.

These physicians could support family medicine clinics and hospital emergency departments, improving access to services closer to home.

Asagwara emphasized that internationally trained doctors already possess valuable experience and can help strengthen Manitoba's medical workforce.

The expansion comes as the province continues addressing physician shortages, particularly outside major urban centres.

Federal Government Proposes $6 Million in Funding

The federal government has proposed providing up to $6 million over three years to support the licensing expansion.

According to Health Canada, the funding would help Manitoba increase its assessment capacity and provide additional support for eligible physicians.

However, the investment is not yet finalized. Both governments must complete a formal agreement before the proposed funding can proceed.

The initiative forms part of Canada's broader efforts to reduce licensing barriers for internationally educated health professionals.

Who Can Qualify for the Fast-Track Program?

Internationally trained physicians must meet several requirements before entering Manitoba's assessment pathway.

Applicants need sponsorship from an eligible Health Service Delivery Organization and must sign a return-of-service agreement.

They must also satisfy educational, professional experience and language proficiency requirements while passing the necessary examinations.

The return-of-service agreement helps ensure participating doctors contribute their skills to designated Manitoba communities after completing the program.

Meeting these conditions does not automatically guarantee a medical licence.

Ontario Also Expands Licensing Opportunities

Manitoba's announcement follows another federal initiative supporting internationally trained physicians in Ontario.

On October 7, 2026, Health Canada announced $20 million to create 200 additional practice-ready assessment opportunities for internationally educated family doctors in Ontario.

The funding forms part of a broader package exceeding $31 million for six projects supporting internationally educated health professionals.

Ontario expects its additional physicians to become ready for practice by 2028–2029.

Together, the initiatives reflect a growing effort to recognize international medical experience and improve access to qualified family doctors across Canada.