The Big Story Why Canada needs national licensing for doctors
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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.
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Rigid Provincial Licensing System
- Doctors must obtain a separate license and pay fees for each province where they want to work, even temporarily.
- This rigid system discourages flexible, short-term coverage solutions that could help address local shortages.
Historical Roots of Licensing
- The current provincial licensing system remains due to historical jurisdictional authority established 160 years ago.
- This system is outdated considering modern mobility and technology enabling cross-province medical practice.
Expand Multi-Province Licensing
- Expand regional license models, like Atlantic Canada's, to other provinces for easier multi-province practice.
- Enable doctors to provide locum coverage without costly, repeated licensing processes.