What does Canada Day mean to new arrivals?

Canada is a very multicultural and diverse country, and we are currently welcoming more than 400,000 new immigrants annually. As a natural-born Canadian, I am always pleased to hear new immigrants describe us a welcoming, having a smile for everyone, and being a land of opportunity. Canada is a country where if you work diligently and treat everyone as you want to be treated, you will feel a warm sense of satisfaction with your life.

On Canada Day, July 1, The Globe and Mail, Canada's national newspaper interviewed numerous newly arrived immigrants. A few of their comments about Canada included:

“People from all over the world live in one place and in peace, are tolerant towards each other and are genuinely interested in your background when you say ‘I’m a new Canadian.’ ”

“What I experienced was an environment that felt like home: the ethnic diversity, the natural beauty and the many friendly people.”

“Then we came to Canada, where everyone was trying so hard to help us for nothing in return but to see us succeed.”

“I dream of seeing my son speaking three languages, visiting with my family in other provinces and buying our dream house.”

“Once you leave your place of birth, it can be hard to be accepted, but Canada is a very welcoming place. I feel very fortunate.”

“I have previously been subject to homophobia, and this was quite the change. My ‘welcome to Canada moment’ was being able to truly experience what Canada stands for: diversity and tolerance.”

To read the full article, visit: Canada Day Immigration Stories

Canadian Geography

Here at Canada Medical Careers, we are often asked about the topography, temperature, distances and proximity to the USA. It is impossible to give a full answer, but a few facts might help one understand:

• Canada is approximately 40 times the size of the United Kingdom. Even the single province of British Columbia is four times the size of the UK.
• There are ten provinces and three northern territories in Canada. Very few Canadians could name the three territories or will ever travel there. The largest provinces are British Columbia, Alberta, Saskatchewan, Manitoba, Ontario, Quebec and Newfoundland and Labrador. However, Newfoundland is half the size of the other provinces and is lightly populated with only 400,000 residents compared to Ontario with almost 15 million people. The Maritime provinces include Nova Scotia, New Brunswick and Prince Edward Island and have a total population of 1.9 million residents. With a name like the Maritimes, many residents live on the coast.
• Canada borders the USA and has the world’s largest border between two countries. Most of Canada’s population lives in a location near the US border simply because it is the warmest area especially in the winter.
• Temperatures can vary greatly across Canada. The northern territories, and the “middle” provinces, which Canadians call the prairie provinces, are the coldest for at least a few months in the winter. In the Spring, Summer and Autumn the prairie provinces enjoy warmth.
• Alberta and British Columbia have the tallest mountains while the prairie provinces and Ontario have almost no mountains, at least not where the citizens can access them.
• Like most large cities around the world, the cost of living is the highest in the biggest, most popular cities like Toronto and Vancouver and lowest in the prairies or maritime provinces.

To Write the MCCQE1 before coming to Canada or not?

There is some confusion about the need to write the MCCQE1 (Medical Council of Canada Qualifying Exam) before coming to Canada or after you start practicing medicine in Canada.

Of the major provinces where we have clients only Manitoba and Ontario permit a international physician to practice medicine on a provisional licence before successfully passing the MCCQE1. All the others including British Columbia require a pass before being awarded a provisional licence.

Some physicians believe it is a good idea to write and pass the MCCQE1 before relocating to Canada regardless of the requirements. It is easier to study from a familiar space. It is easier to allocate study time before moving since there won't be all the distractions associated with living in a new country.

Ultimately, it is a decision that each person must make on their own.

Trouble Completing Your PhysiciansApply.ca Account?

As recruiters, we discovered that many physicians have difficulty supplying their information this online service. A simple error, like not scanning all four corners of a document can cause rejection. Which documents do you have notarized? How do you submit your documents?

We have created an explanatory video that is yours FREE, just by asking. Contact [email protected] to receive your link!

If you are serious about practicing medicine in Canada the first thing you should do is open an account with PhysiciansApply.ca. It is an online portal operated under the auspices of the Medical Council of Canada (similar to the GMC in the UK). Every doctor coming to Canada must have an account. This is where your credentials must be verified. These credentials include your passport, medical degrees and more. Every province and territory of Canada has a regulatory authority to handle physician licensing and these authorities (Colleges) will need to access your PhysiciansApply.ca account before you can be licensed in Canada.

Don’t wait! Some documents can be verified quickly, and others may take some time, especially if you attended medical school in a country that is slow to respond to inquiries from Canada.

If you are an IMG, licensing in Canada as a physician simply does not happen without a PhysiciansApply.ca account.

MRCGP and Family Practice Exams in Canada

The College of Family Physicians of Canada is the recognized licensing authority for family physicians in Canada. Those physicians coming from the UK, Ireland, Australia, or the USA will usually not have to write the examination required to practice as a General Practitioner in Canada. Verification of your MRCGP, MICGP, FRACGP, FACRRM, or DABFM will be required. For more information on this certification visit CFPC.ca and check out the Education and Professional Development section. Members in good standing will use the CCFP certification.

We like questions!

It’s likely that you will have questions along your journey to practicing in Canada. Don’t hesitate to contact John Livingstone at: [email protected]

Or call WhatsApp +1 250-885-8802 (9 AM - 6 PM Pacific Time)