The Yukon government has introduced a new licensing pathway, ‘Limited A’, to ease licensing requirements for internationally trained family physicians from select countries such as Australia, Ireland, the United States, and the United Kingdom. Under this pathway, eligible physicians can practice in Yukon without the need for additional assessments or supervised practice periods.
To qualify for this pathway, physicians must meet the Yukon Medical Council requirements and have an opportunity to practice in Yukon. Previously, practice assessments and clinical supervision were mandatory for all physicians under the applicable class of medical registration.
The initiative was launched following a General Declaration of Need by the Minister of Health and Social Services, addressing the shortage of family physicians in the territory. Foreign jurisdictions were chosen based on their medical standards similarity to Canada’s, with potential future expansion to other approved countries.
This initiative aligns with the government’s efforts to enhance primary care, support physician recruitment, and improve healthcare access for Yukon residents. The declaration, under the Medical Profession Act, is based on a report commissioned by the Yukon Medical Council.
While details on the ‘Limited A’ licensing pathway are limited at present, the Yukon government has highlighted successful recruitment efforts, welcoming new doctors to the territory. The government reported nine doctors relocating to Yukon since November 2025, with three more expected by September 2026.