OTTAWA, ON, Oct. 15, 2025 /CNW/ - The Canadian Medical Association and the College of Family Physicians of Canada are adding their voices to the growing number of organizations urging the Ontario Government to re-evaluate the recently announced requirements for international medical graduates (IMGs) seeking residency positions in Ontario. This policy disqualifies IMGs who did not go to high school in Ontario from applying in the first round for residency training.
With the academic year already underway and the application window half-way through, international medical graduates have already initiated the process for this match at significant expense and time-commitment. These applicants are already Canadian citizens or permanent residents residing in Canada and often working in health care. At a time when every effort is being made to attract more family physicians, the abrupt policy change for IMGs will destabilize family medicine programs in Ontario. The government is urged to postpone this ill-timed policy.
Removing barriers and obstacles to increase Canada's supplies of doctors remains a top priority with an estimated 6.5 million patients without a family doctor. We continue to call on governments to streamline the process to graduate the next generation of doctors.
Ontario has been at the forefront of key solutions to help meet the needs of patients, supporting team-based care, recognizing out-of-province licensure for physicians and other health professionals, and investing in new medical schools.
With this solution mindset, we call on the Ontario government to reassess these restrictive measures until further consultation can properly take place, and an appropriate evaluation of the unintended consequences can be completed.
Margot Burnell, MD, FRCPC
CMA President
Michael Allan MD, CCFP, FCFP CFPC
Executive Director and CEO
Carrie Bernard MD, MPH, CCFP, FCFP
CFPC President
About the CMA
The Canadian Medical Association leads a national movement with physicians who believe in a better future of health. Our ambition is a sustainable, accessible health system where patients are partners, a culture of medicine that elevates equity, diversity and wellbeing, and supportive communities where everyone has the chance to be healthy. We drive change through advocacy, giving and knowledge sharing – guided by values of collaboration and inclusion.
About the CFPC The College of Family Physicians of Canada (CFPC) is the professional organization that represents more than 47,000 members across the country. The College establishes the standards for and accredits postgraduate family medicine training in Canada's 17 medical schools. It reviews and certifies continuing professional development programs and materials that enable family physicians to meet certification and licensing requirements. The CFPC provides high-quality services, supports family medicine teaching and research, and advocates on behalf of the specialty of family medicine, family physicians, and the patients they serve.
SOURCE Canadian Medical Association
To schedule an interview or for further information, please contact: CMA: [email protected]; CFPC: Winnie Wong, [email protected]
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