Manitoba could add up to 90 family physicians by 2028–2029 under a proposed federal investment of up to C$6 million over three years aimed at improving access to health care in rural and northern communities.

Announced on October 14 by federal Health Minister Marjorie Michel and Manitoba Health Minister Uzoma Asagwara, the initiative would expand the province’s Practice-Ready Assessment opportunities for internationally trained medical graduates.

The program is designed to help qualified international medical graduates demonstrate their readiness to practise family medicine in Manitoba. Successful candidates could help fill staffing gaps in family medicine clinics and emergency departments, particularly in communities where recruiting doctors remains difficult.

The proposed funding would support additional assessment opportunities and help Manitoba address demand for primary care. The provincial government has reported adding 370 net new doctors since October 2023, but staffing shortages remain a concern in rural and northern areas.

The funding is still subject to a finalized agreement between the federal and Manitoba governments. If implemented as planned, the initiative could help more qualified physicians enter practice and improve access to medical services closer to home.