NDP calls for fair, evidence-based residency pathways after court halts new restrictions for internationally trained physicians

QUEEN’S PARK – Ontario NDP MPPs Robin Lennox (Hamilton Centre), France Gélinas (Nickel Belt), and Doly Begum (Scarborough Southwest), released the following statement in response to the court decision granting international medical graduates temporary access to the first round of residency matching:

“Ontario is facing a detrimental shortage of family doctors and specialists. The government’s sudden rule change risked shutting out highly qualified international medical graduates who have already made Ontario home and contribute every day to our communities,” said Lennox. “It never should have taken a court challenge for these physicians to be treated fairly.”

“The ruling offers some relief for people who have trained for years and followed every requirement to practise here,” said Gélinas. “We hear from patients constantly about long waits and limited access to care. Ontario needs a respectful, practical approach that welcomes skilled physicians instead of putting new barriers in their way.”

“These are doctors who want to work in our hospitals and clinics, support families, and strengthen our health system,” said Begum. “This decision is a temporary step forward, but it is clear the government must rethink its policy. We need solutions that improve access to care and reflect the needs of communities across Ontario.”