Regulatory Changes Made as Part of Ongoing Efforts to Support Better Patient Outcomes

July 24, 2023 |
Media Release Registration

The Manitoba government has approved amendments to the College of Physicians and Surgeons of Manitoba (CPSM) General Regulation to streamline registration requirements and expedite the registration process for internationally educated physicians. These changes will come into effect on September 1.

Internationally educated physicians who meet all other registration requirements will no longer be required to also hold a Licentiate of the Medical Council of Canada to practise in Manitoba. The minister noted this requirement can be safely removed because specialists and family physicians must continue to demonstrate competency by either completing post-graduate medical education and obtaining certification from either the College of Family Physicians of Canada or Royal College of Physicians and Surgeons of Canada, or by completing the Manitoba Practice Assessment Program. Additionally, applicants who have already completed the Royal College of Physicians and Surgeons of Canada’s Subspecialist Examination Affiliate Program will be eligible for a new fast-track registration process that is more appropriate for their qualifications.

The amendments also give CPSM the flexibility to establish streamlined assessment requirements for fully licensed internationally educated physicians, including reduced provisional registration requirements for applicants from jurisdictions with similar healthcare, education and training systems. This change will align Manitoba’s requirements with other regulatory bodies in Canada, added Gordon.

”We are pleased to eliminate barriers to assessment, without compromising quality and patient safety,” said Dr. Anna Ziomek, registrar, CPSM. “The current regulations for evaluating provisional registrants delay and discourage qualified international medical graduates from practising in Manitoba. With these amendments, regulation will be more adaptable to current workforce challenges and CPSM can better streamline assessment processes and establish requirements for supervision and monitoring.

CPSM held a public consultation and the majority of responses were supportive of the changes. Statements of support included: 

  • Physicians who have gone through the process; one of them stated that unnecessary hurdles are a huge barrier to physicians, especially specialists when deciding to come to Manitoba.
  • Canadians trained internationally noted they are willing to work here but do not return to the province because of the time and effort imposed by outdated regulations.
  • Head of Departments stated these improvements will help recruit experienced specialists to Manitoba more quickly and efficiently.

The minister noted these amendments build on other recent initiatives to reduce unnecessary barriers for internationally educated physicians seeking to practise in Manitoba. In March 2023, the Manitoba government approved amendments that removed the requirement for internationally educated physicians to pass the Medical Council of Canada Qualifying Exam Part 1.

“These amendments reduce unnecessary barriers for internationally educated physicians seeking to practise in Manitoba without compromising patient safety and care,” said Gordon. “Manitoba’s health-care system looks forward to welcoming new physicians into roles across the province.”

The amendments to the CPSM regulation can be viewed here.