Prince Edward Island needs more doctors.
About 475 trained health professionals already live here.
These are people educated in health abroad who now live in Prince Edward Island, counted in the 2021 Census. Many are not working in health because licensing takes years. Here is what the gap looks like locally.
Prince Edward Island by the numbers
475
About 2.6 for every 1,000 residents. Counts may have changed since 2021.
Source: StatCan Census 2021
~90
Estimated from how many people lack a family doctor. Treat as a rough guide (±15–20%).
Source: CMA/OurCare 2025
49.7 wks
National median: 28.6 weeks. #2 longest of 10 provinces. From a physician survey.
Source: Fraser Institute 2025
221
30 below the national average of 251. Provincial split is estimated.
Source: CIHI HW 2024
420
Provincial split is estimated from national data.
Source: CIHI HW 2024
How an internationally trained doctor gets licensed in Prince Edward Island
From the province's medical regulator. Last checked April 2026.
College of Physicians and Surgeons of PEI (CPSPEI)
Standard MCC pathway required (MCCQE I, NAC). No Practice Ready Assessment (PRA) route available at this time. Credentialing fee $400 + admin fee $300. CPSPEI coordinates closely with provincial health authority.
The main bottleneck: Small system means limited supervision placements. No PRA route currently available.
Regulator's registration page (opens in a new tab)- Application fee
- $700 CAD ($400 credentialing + $300 administration)
- 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 Prince Edward Island? 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