Canada is investing more than C$31 million to help internationally educated health professionals enter the country’s health-care workforce faster, with Ontario receiving major support for family physician recruitment.

Health Canada and Ontario announced funding for six projects aimed at helping internationally educated physicians, nurses, occupational therapists and physiotherapists navigate licensing requirements and prepare to practise in Canada.

The largest portion is C$20 million for Ontario’s Practice Ready Ontario program, which will create 50 additional positions each year for four years. The initiative is expected to help bring up to 200 internationally educated family physicians into practice by 2028–29.

Officials say the program will particularly target underserved northern and rural communities and Francophone communities, including a dedicated pathway for French-speaking internationally educated family doctors.

The federal government says internationally educated professionals can face lengthy and complicated credential-recognition processes despite having relevant training and experience.

The new investment is intended to strengthen Canada’s health workforce and improve access to primary care, particularly in communities facing shortages of doctors and other health professionals.