FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
Oct 20, 2025
CaSPR Urges Ontario to Reconsider CaRMS Policy for IMG’s
The Canadian Society of Physician Recruitment (CaSPR) joins the Canadian Medical Association (CMA) and the College of Family Physicians of Canada (CFPC) in urging the Ontario government to immediately reconsider its newly announced policy restricting international medical graduates (IMGs) from applying in the first round of the 2026 residency match unless they completed at least two years of high school in Ontario.
“This decision adds an unnecessary barrier to an already strained physician recruitment environment,” said Carly Cox, Operations Manager of CaSPR. “Across Ontario, our members are working tirelessly to fill longstanding physician vacancies in both urban and rural communities. Many internationally trained physicians are already part of our local networks and have demonstrated a commitment to practicing in Ontario—yet this policy would exclude them before they even have the chance to apply.”
Ontario’s physician shortage continues to grow, with patients facing significant delays in accessing primary and specialty care. Physician recruiters across the province and country rely on a fair and inclusive residency matching process to help meet community health needs. Restricting IMGs in this way risks exacerbating workforce shortages, particularly in under-served regions where the need is most urgent.
CaSPR echoes the calls of national physician organizations for the Ontario government to pause implementation of this policy until full consultation has taken place with key stakeholders—including IMG representatives, recruitment professionals, and health system planners who understand the real-world implications of these decisions on communities.
Ontario has long been viewed as a destination of opportunity for qualified, motivated physicians who wish to serve Canadians. Restricting that access undermines progress toward a stable, sustainable health workforce.
“At a time when physician recruitment is more challenging than ever, we need policies that open doors—not close them,” said Cox. “Every qualified physician who wants to care for Ontarians should have a fair opportunity to do so.”
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About the Canadian Society of Physician Recruitment (CaSPR)
The Canadian Society of Physician Recruitment (CaSPR) is the national voice for physician recruitment professionals across Canada. Representing over 250 members working within health authorities, hospitals, and communities, CaSPR is dedicated to advancing best practices in recruitment and retention, fostering collaboration, and supporting a strong, equitable physician workforce for all Canadians.
