Northwest Territories needs more doctors.
About 210 trained health professionals already live here.
These are people educated in health abroad who now live in Northwest Territories, counted in the 2021 Census. Many are not working in health because licensing takes years. Here is what the gap looks like locally.
Northwest Territories by the numbers
210
About 4.6 for every 1,000 residents. Counts may have changed since 2021.
Source: StatCan Census 2021
~20
Estimated from how many people lack a family doctor. Treat as a rough guide (±15–20%).
Source: CMA/OurCare 2025
Not surveyed
The Fraser Institute survey does not cover the territories.
Source: Fraser Institute 2025
214
37 below the national average of 251. Provincial split is estimated.
Source: CIHI HW 2024
433
Provincial split is estimated from national data.
Source: CIHI HW 2024
How an internationally trained doctor gets licensed in Northwest Territories
From the territory's medical regulator. Last checked April 2026.
Dept. of Health and Social Services — NWT
NWT registers physicians through its own territorial system. Acute shortages mean licensing can be faster in practice, but official requirements still include MCC credentials (MCCQE I, NAC).
The main bottleneck: Remote community context. Housing and support arrangements often needed.
Regulator's registration page (opens in a new tab)- Application fee
- Official fee not publicly verified
- Yearly licence fee
- Official fee not publicly verified
- Canadian residency needed
- MCC credentials and residency training required.
Regulator fees only. National exams, assessments and immigration fees are extra; see the full cost breakdown.
Live in Northwest Territories? Two things you can do today
Sign the petition, then tell your MP it matters to you.
71% of the goal · 4,365 more names needed · count as of November 1, 2026