Canada’s healthcare system is under significant strain due to workforce shortages. As of the third quarter of 2024, there were approximately 78,600 vacant healthcare positions, down from a peak of 97,400 in 2022, but still alarmingly high.
These shortages have resulted in:
Longer wait times for surgeries and medical procedures
Emergency room closures in some regions
Difficulty accessing family doctors and primary care services
Addressing this issue has become a national priority.
Goals of the $14.3 Million FCRP Investment
The funding focuses on removing barriers that prevent internationally trained professionals from working in Canada. The key objectives include:
1. Faster Credential Recognition
One of the biggest challenges IEHPs face is having their foreign qualifications recognized. This investment aims to simplify and speed up the credential recognition process.
2. Employment Support and Integration
The funding will support:
Work placements and internships
Wage subsidies for employers
Mentorship programs
Training aligned with Canadian healthcare standards
These services help IEHPs gain Canadian work experience and understand the healthcare system.
3. Strengthening Healthcare Capacity
By integrating more skilled professionals, the government hopes to reduce pressure on existing healthcare workers and improve overall service delivery.
Expected Impact on Internationally Educated Health Professionals
This initiative is expected to support more than 3,500 IEHPs, enabling them to contribute their skills to Canada’s healthcare system more quickly.
It also complements other federal efforts, including commitments made in Budget 2024, to strengthen healthcare staffing across the country.
Alignment With National Healthcare Workforce Strategies
This funding is part of a broader, coordinated national approach. In January 2025, federal, provincial, and territorial health ministers agreed to:
Conduct a national study on healthcare education and workforce planning
Follow an ethical framework for recruiting and retaining internationally trained healthcare workers
These steps aim to create long-term, sustainable solutions.
Key Projects Supported by the Funding
One notable initiative benefiting from this investment is the CarriElles Santé Project by the Société économique de l’Ontario (SEO).
This program supports internationally trained women in healthcare by offering:
Personalized career guidance
Skills enhancement
Help securing employment in regulated healthcare roles
Similar projects will be supported across other provinces.
Regional Initiatives Across Canada
The funding will support tailored programs nationwide, including:
British Columbia: Expanded licensing and employment support programs
Ontario: Enhanced mentorship and healthcare integration initiatives
Atlantic Canada: Personalized settlement and employment assistance for IEHPs
These regional efforts address local workforce needs and challenges.
Key Benefits for IEHPs Under the FCRP
Internationally educated health professionals will benefit in several ways:
Faster credential recognition, reducing delays in employment
Targeted training programs aligned with Canadian standards
Paid work experience through placements and internships
Mentorship support for professional and cultural integration
Wage subsidies encouraging employers to hire IEHPs
Major Challenges Facing Healthcare Workers in Canada
Despite these efforts, healthcare workers continue to face serious challenges, including:
Burnout and mental health issues
Chronic staff shortages
Limited capacity in medical and nursing education
Financial pressures on healthcare systems
Lack of access to primary care for many Canadians
Aging population increasing demand for services
These issues highlight the need for sustained, long-term investment.
Broader Economic Impact of FCRP Investments
While FCRP focuses on healthcare, its impact can extend to other sectors, such as:
Education and training institutions
Financial services
Consumer goods and services
A stronger healthcare workforce supports overall economic growth and stability.
How This Investment May Affect Patient Wait Times and Access to Care
Although not directly designed to reduce wait times, the funding is expected to have positive indirect effects:
Improved Access to Healthcare
More healthcare professionals mean better access, especially in underserved communities.
Potential Reduction in Wait Times
Increased staffing can improve efficiency and reduce patient backlogs over time.
Better Patient Outcomes
Improved access and reduced delays lead to higher patient satisfaction and better health outcomes.
Conclusion
Canada’s $14.3 million investment in the Foreign Credential Recognition Program is a significant step toward addressing healthcare workforce shortages. By helping internationally educated health professionals integrate into the system faster, Canada aims to improve healthcare delivery, reduce pressure on existing workers, and ensure better access to care for patients nationwide.
For IEHPs, this funding represents new opportunities, faster pathways to employment, and a stronger role in shaping Canada’s healthcare future.
