Canada faces a critical shortage of healthcare workers, with nearly 23,000 additional family physicians needed to meet the demand. Currently, five million Canadians lack access to a family doctor or nurse practitioner, highlighting a pressing issue in the nation's healthcare system. In 2023, health ministers across the country have pledged to address this shortage by tackling the issue of physician mobility, a move seen as a step in the right direction despite not being a complete solution.
The shortage of primary-care providers remains one of the central concerns for Canada's healthcare system. Bureaucratic barriers prevent Ontario doctors from practicing in other jurisdictions, exacerbating the issue. For instance, the College of Physicians and Surgeons of Ontario charges $1,725 for an annual license and $431.25 for a 90-day license, with the paperwork and approval process acting as significant barriers. Such restrictions hinder doctors from moving freely across provinces, thus limiting healthcare access for Canadians.
"We want to be able to move around the country." – Joss Reimer
In response to these challenges, the Canadian Medical Association (CMA) has called for a "pan-Canadian licensure" aimed at improving healthcare access for Canadians. This proposal seeks to streamline the licensing process across provinces, allowing physicians to practice easily in different jurisdictions. The CMA also advocates for reducing administrative burdens on healthcare providers and emphasizes supporting virtual care within the publicly funded system.
Health care delivery falls under provincial jurisdiction in Canada, where medical colleges regulate physicians in their respective regions. However, federal, provincial, and territorial governments have agreed to collaborate swiftly to dismantle internal trade barriers and enhance labor mobility. This concerted effort comes as a reaction to U.S. tariff threats, which have prompted Canadian authorities to adopt a unified approach toward decreasing internal obstacles.
"Breaking down the barriers that exist to people practising and serving their communities all over the country." – Dominik Nowak
Internal Trade Minister Anita Anand highlighted that these tariff threats have provided the necessary impetus for Ottawa and provincial ministers to address internal barriers collectively. This agreement aims not only to facilitate seamless movement for healthcare workers but also for professionals like teachers and nurses between provinces.
"whether teachers, doctors, or nurses, are able to move seamlessly between provinces." – David Eby
Ontario serves as a focal point in these discussions, where current bureaucratic constraints significantly impact physician mobility. By reducing these restrictions, officials hope to alleviate some of the pressure on the healthcare system and improve patient access to care. The proposed changes are anticipated to foster a more flexible workforce capable of responding quickly to regional needs.
