Statement from Dr. Chris Simpson, President, Canadian Medical Association On Minister of Health announcement on internationally educated health professionals

OTTAWA, March 13, 2015 /CNW/ - The Canadian Medical Association welcomes today's announcement by Health Minister Rona Ambrose on financial support to bring internationally educated professionals into Canadian health workforce. 

The CMA fully supports bringing into practice qualified internationally medical graduates (IMGs) already in Canada. Canada has historically benefited from a steady flow of IMGs to our country. In fact, close to one-quarter of all physicians in Canada are IMGs.

However, the CMA cautions that while IMGs may be seen as a key strategy to addressing shortages in Canada, actively recruiting from developing countries is not an acceptable solution to our physician shortage. Canada must strive for greater self-sufficiency in the education and training of physicians.

Serious challenges in health human resources persist.  Despite changing shifting demographics, it has been almost four decades since the completion of a national study of physician requirements. The CMA is ready to work with policymakers to help create a panCanadian approach to ensure our country has adequate health human resources in support of a sustainable health care system.

The Canadian Medical Association (CMA) is the national voice of Canadian physicians. Founded in 1867, the CMA is a voluntary professional organization representing more than 80,000 of Canada's physicians and comprising 12 provincial and territorial medical associations and 60 national medical organizations. CMA's mission is helping physicians care for patients. The CMA will be the leader in engaging and serving physicians and be the national voice for the highest standards for health and health care. 

SOURCE Canadian Medical Association

Lucie Boileau, Senior Advisor Communications and Public Outreach, Canadian Medical Association, Email: [email protected], Tel: [phone] ext. 1266, Cell: 613-447-0866