To The Legislative Assembly of Ontario:
• The new requirement for applicants to have attended an Ontario high school for at least two years is unfair and discriminatory, particularly to International Medical Graduates (IMGs);
• IMGs have invested substantial time and resources, including licensing exams, credential verification, and CaRMS fees, based on previous eligibility criteria;
• Introducing this change midway through the application cycle undermines transparency, fairness, and confidence in the selection process;
• The policy disadvantages qualified candidates, including Canadian citizens and permanent residents, causing financial and emotional hardship;
• It excludes Ontario residents who live, work, and pay taxes in the province but did not complete high school locally;
• The requirement is irrelevant to clinical competence and will worsen Ontario’s physician shortage, impacting healthcare access and patient care across the province.
We, the undersigned, petition the Legislative Assembly of Ontario as follows:
1. Reverse the new Ontario high school attendance requirement for the current and upcoming residency match cycles, as it unfairly excludes qualified International Medical Graduates (IMGs).
2. Create a fair and inclusive pathway for Internationally Trained Immigrant Physicians (I-IMGs) so that Canadian citizens and permanent residents educated overseas are recognized for their medical qualifications and can help strengthen Ontario’s healthcare system.
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