Manitoba has unveiled plans to accelerate licensing for an additional 90 internationally trained physicians (ITPs).

The new ITPs are projected to be licensed through 2028-2029, as announced by federal and provincial health ministers, Marjorie Michel and Uzoma Asagwara, during a press conference on Oct. 14, 2026, at the Manitoba Legislative Building in Winnipeg.

Manitoba Health intends to license more ITPs as family doctors through Practice Ready Assessment – Manitoba – Family Practice (PRA‑MB‑FP), enabling experienced ITPs to obtain licensure by completing a three-month Family Practice Assessment instead of undergoing years of residency.

Asagwara emphasized that the additional ITP licensing positions would prioritize enhancing healthcare access in rural and northern communities, including emergency departments and clinics.

The new ITPs are anticipated to be ‘prepared to practice in Manitoba by 2028-2029,’ according to a Health Canada press release issued alongside the announcement.

This expansion is backed by $6M in fresh funding committed by the federal government, contingent upon finalizing an agreement between the Government of Canada and the Government of Manitoba to support ‘the proposed project.’

To be licensed through PRA-MB, an ITP must be endorsed by a Health Service Delivery Organization, sign a return-of-service agreement, pass required exams, and meet criteria for work experience, education, and language proficiency.

On Oct. 7, 2026, Health Canada released a press release unveiling the establishment of up to 200 additional fast-track spots for licensing ITPs as family doctors in Ontario, costing $20M, as part of a $31M federal funding package for six projects aimed at facilitating the integration of internationally educated health professionals into the Canadian workforce.