Nunavut needs more doctors.
About 95 trained health professionals already live here.
These are people educated in health abroad who now live in Nunavut, counted in the 2021 Census. Many are not working in health because licensing takes years. Here is what the gap looks like locally.
Nunavut by the numbers
95
About 2.2 for every 1,000 residents. Counts may have changed since 2021.
Source: StatCan Census 2021
~25
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
172
79 below the national average of 251. Provincial split is estimated.
Source: CIHI HW 2024
406
Provincial split is estimated from national data.
Source: CIHI HW 2024
How an internationally trained doctor gets licensed in Nunavut
From the territory's medical regulator. Last checked April 2026.
Health and Social Services — Nunavut
Nunavut has the most acute physician shortages in Canada. Registration operates through territorial health authority. Official pathway requirements include MCC credentials (MCCQE I, NAC).
The main bottleneck: Extreme remoteness. Cultural, linguistic, and geographic barriers for many ITPs.
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 required.
Regulator fees only. National exams, assessments and immigration fees are extra; see the full cost breakdown.
Live in Nunavut? 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