A proposed expansion of Manitoba’s Practice Ready Assessment process could result in up to 90 new family physicians ready to work in the province by 2028-2029. The Manitoba Practice Ready Assessment project would support internationally trained medical graduates seeking to practise family medicine, with a focus on rural, remote and northern communities.
Project would support internationally trained doctors
Health Canada said Manitoba Health would work with key partners to expand and improve the Practice Ready Assessment process for internationally trained medical graduates, also known as IMGs.
The proposed investment would provide additional support for candidates and help address Manitoba’s health-care workforce needs. It is intended to strengthen family medicine and emergency department services and support more reliable access to care closer to home.
Rural and northern staffing needs remain
Manitoba has added 370 net new doctors since October 2023, according to the release. However, staffing needs remain, particularly in rural and northern communities.
Federal Health Minister Marjorie Michel said the proposed funding would create more opportunities for qualified physicians to enter practice sooner. Manitoba Health, Seniors and Long-Term Care Minister Uzoma Asagwara said the partnership would help bring up to 90 more family physicians into the provincial health-care system.
Federal credential-recognition funding
The release also pointed to Budget 2025’s $97 million investment over five years for a Foreign Credential Recognition Action Fund. The federal government said it will work with provinces and territories to make credential recognition fairer, faster and more transparent for qualified foreign-trained professionals.
Health care and construction were identified as fields facing labour shortages. The government also cited its Working Together plan, which provides close to $200 billion over 10 years, including $25 billion through tailored bilateral agreements with provinces and territories.
Source: IRCC Newsroom