The Big Story

Why Canada needs national licensing for doctors

Feb 28, 2025

Dr. Joss Reimer, President of the Canadian Medical Association, delves into the complex world of provincial doctor licensing in Canada. She highlights the bureaucratic hurdles that prevent seamless practice across regions, advocating for a unified national licensing system. Dr. Reimer discusses how such reforms could alleviate physician burnout and improve healthcare access, especially in underserved communities. She also touches on the pressing need to integrate internationally trained doctors and the potential benefits for patients and the healthcare system.

18:33

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Joss Reimer

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Quick takeaways

The current interprovincial licensing system in Canada creates significant barriers for doctors, impacting healthcare access for Canadians in need.

A proposed national licensing system is supported by over 90% of physicians, aiming to improve healthcare accessibility and address regional shortages.

Deep dives

Challenges of Interprovincial Licensing for Doctors

Doctors in Canada face significant hurdles due to the current interprovincial licensing system, which requires them to obtain licenses in every province they wish to practice. This process involves extensive paperwork and can cost thousands of dollars, creating barriers to mobility even for those willing to provide temporary coverage in other regions. For instance, if a doctor from Ontario wants to work in British Columbia, they must secure a new license and privileges at a local hospital, making it less appealing to fill in for short-term needs. This cumbersome system not only affects doctors seeking flexibility in their careers but ultimately limits healthcare access for Canadians who urgently need medical services.

Intro

2min

Navigating Provincial Licensing Challenges

6min

A Call for National Licensing in Canadian Healthcare

6min

Reforming Canada's Physician Licensing System

2min

Navigating Interprovincial Trade Barriers in Healthcare

3min

Doctors in Canada can’t move between provinces to practice medicine without going through cumbersome licensing requirements and a sea of government red tape.

It’s one of the many inter-provincial trade barriers in focus because of the threat of US tariffs.

The Canadian Medical Association says it's time to do away with this antiquated way of licensing doctors and make it one national system that covers all provinces and territories.

Host David Smith speaks with Dr. Joss Reimer, President of the Canadian Medical Association.

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