Nova Scotia needs more doctors.
About 3,195 trained health professionals already live here.
These are people educated in health abroad who now live in Nova Scotia, counted in the 2021 Census. Many are not working in health because licensing takes years. Here is what the gap looks like locally.
Nova Scotia by the numbers
3,195
About 2.9 for every 1,000 residents. Counts may have changed since 2021.
Source: StatCan Census 2021
~350
Estimated from how many people lack a family doctor. Treat as a rough guide (±15–20%).
Source: CMA/OurCare 2025
49 wks
National median: 28.6 weeks. #3 longest of 10 provinces. From a physician survey.
Source: Fraser Institute 2025
266
15 above the national average of 251. Provincial split is estimated.
Source: CIHI HW 2024
479
Provincial split is estimated from national data.
Source: CIHI HW 2024
How an internationally trained doctor gets licensed in Nova Scotia
From the province's medical regulator. Last checked April 2026.
College of Physicians and Surgeons of Nova Scotia (CPSNS)
CPSNS 2026 fee schedule published. IMGs without Canadian certification/LMCC pay a Review of Qualifications fee ($500) + Application for Medical Registration ($350) + one-time registration fee ($300). Annual licence $2,300.
The main bottleneck: Supervision contract required. Rural and underserved areas may have faster placement.
Regulator's registration page (opens in a new tab)- Application fee
- $1,150 CAD ($500 review + $350 application + $300 one-time registration)
- Yearly licence fee
- $2,300 CAD
- Canadian residency needed
- Residency or supervised practice required.
Regulator fees only. National exams, assessments and immigration fees are extra; see the full cost breakdown.
Live in Nova Scotia? 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