Ottawa calls for project proposals that help internationally trained health workers
A program announced Monday will fund projects to remove barriers preventing qualified new Canadians from working in health care, the federal immigration minister said.
Sean Fraser said Ottawa's call for proposals is aimed at tackling major health labour shortages and the underemployment of internationally trained health professionals. The government will put $90 million toward projects that streamline medical credential recognitions or that provide Canadian work experience to internationally trained health workers.
"It's no secret that newcomers have the skills to fill the vacancies that we need, but they need our help to enter the workforce as soon as possible," said Fraser, who took part virtually in a news conference held at a Charlottetown hospital.
The minister said immigrants make up about a quarter of all health-care professionals in Canada, but 2020 reporting from Statistics Canada shows that about 47 per cent of skilled immigrants with education in a health field are unemployed or underemployed.
Fraser said proposals for this funding are expected to come from provincial and municipal governments, non-profit organizations, unions, hospitals and other organizations.
"We've tried to run the gamut. We'll use the call for proposals process to funnel out the very best applications to ensure that we're having the best possible impact with this funding," he said. Successful projects can receive between $500,000 and $10 million for the work.
The minister said there's currently no timeline for when the successful projects must be completed. There's also no set target for the number of new health professionals the funding is expected to add to Canada's workforce.
"I don't expect this is going to alleviate the health-care worker shortage in the next couple of weeks, but I do think it's going to start having a very positive impact shortly after the money begins to flow," Fraser said.
To apply for a portion of the $90 million in available funding, organizations must submit project proposals by the end of January 2023.
On the same day as the federal announcement, Nova Scotia said it will be adding 10 new residency spots for international medical school graduates. The province's Health Department said priority for those positions will be given to graduates with "a connection to Nova Scotia."
The move will bring the total number of medical residency positions for international graduates to 16.
This report by The Canadian Press was first published Dec. 5, 2022.
This story was produced with the financial assistance of the Meta and Canadian Press News Fellowship.
CTVNews.ca Top Stories
Alice Munro's daughter says mom kept silent when stepfather sexually abused her
The youngest daughter of celebrated Canadian author Alice Munro has opened up about sexual abuse by her stepfather and the deep hurt she felt when her mother chose to support her husband instead of her child.
France election: Left-wing coalition wins most seats, beating far-right party
A coalition of the French left that quickly banded together to beat a surging far right in legislative elections won the most seats in parliament but not a majority, according to polling projections Sunday, a stunning outcome that threatens to plunge the country into political and economic turmoil.
Bus crashes into electrical pylon, causing massive power outage on the South Shore
Tens of thousands of households on Montreal's South Shore have been without electricity since Saturday night after a bus crashed into an electrical pylon.
Ottawa councillor, residents condemn arrival of 'hateful' group Diagolon 'Terror Tour'
A community group and an Ottawa city councillor have come forward to condemn the arrival of the far-right group Diagolon after it brought its 'Road Rage Terror Tour' to Ottawa over the weekend.
Planning a last-minute summer vacation? Here's how to save money
Summer is already in full swing, but there is still time to plan a vacation — and even save some money, while you're at it.
'Meltdown': A week later, WestJet continues to feel the fallout from mechanics strike
One week after it ended, WestJet continues to feel the effects of a mechanics strike that nearly shut down the airline's network for 29 hours.
ANALYSIS Why are Trudeau and Singh avoiding Stampede this year?
This year, only Conservative leader Pierre Poilievre will be saddling up for the event, while both Prime Minister Justin Trudeau and NDP leader Jagmeet Singh will stay away.
As Biden continues campaigning, some House Democrat leaders say he should step aside
Some leading congressional Democrats privately suggested it was time for U.S. President Joe Biden to abandon his reelection bid.
Woman dies at Rolling Stones concert in Vancouver
A woman attending the Rolling Stones concert at BC Place died Friday night, police confirmed.