April 16, 2025
CARP Supports Conservative Plan to Integrate Internationally Trained Doctors into Canada’s Healthcare System
As an organization dedicated to advocating for the needs of seniors, the Canadian Association of Retired Persons (CARP) supports policies and initiatives that contribute to a better healthcare system for all Canadians. The Conservative Party of Canada’s plan to introduce internationally trained doctors into our healthcare system is a positive step in addressing the growing demand for healthcare services, especially as our population ages.
The Conservative Party’s initiative to remove “gatekeepers” and streamline the process for internationally trained doctors and nurses to practice in Canada aligns directly with CARP’s long-standing advocacy for improving healthcare access, particularly for seniors. Canada’s healthcare system is facing increasing pressures, and seniors are disproportionately impacted by longer wait times and limited access to care. With our aging population, the demand for healthcare services is expected to increase, and ensuring that we have enough healthcare professionals to meet these needs is critical.
In the recent provincial elections in BC, Ontario and Nova Scotia, CARP highlighted the challenges seniors face with wait times and the need for policies that prioritize timely and accessible care for older adults. The Conservative Party’s plan reflects this concern, proposing a way to reduce wait times and improve access to healthcare by ensuring that internationally trained doctors can quickly contribute to the healthcare system.
The Conservative proposal focuses on removing barriers to entry for internationally trained healthcare professionals, addressing a key issue that CARP has been advocating for years. By facilitating the recognition and integration of doctors and nurses who have been trained abroad, this initiative will help alleviate some of the strain on Canada’s healthcare system. This is a much-needed solution to ensure seniors receive timely and quality healthcare, especially as we face an aging population and increasing healthcare demands.
Globe and Mail health reporter Andre Picard has echoed CARP’s position.
CARP has always been committed to supporting initiatives that benefit seniors, regardless of political affiliation. As a non-partisan organization, we believe that good ideas should be supported from all parties, and the Conservative plan is one that has the potential to make a meaningful difference in the lives of seniors across Canada. We encourage all candidates to prioritize the needs of seniors and support policies that address healthcare access, including measures that will help integrate internationally trained doctors and nurses into the system.
CARP stands behind initiatives that enhance the quality of life for seniors. We encourage our members and all Canadians to engage with candidates this election cycle to advocate for policies that help seniors, including measures like integrating internationally trained doctors into our healthcare system.
