Quebec needs more doctors.
About 30,595 trained health professionals already live here.
These are people educated in health abroad who now live in Quebec, counted in the 2021 Census. Many are not working in health because licensing takes years. Here is what the gap looks like locally.
Quebec by the numbers
30,595
About 3.4 for every 1,000 residents. Counts may have changed since 2021.
Source: StatCan Census 2021
~3,200
Estimated from how many people lack a family doctor. Treat as a rough guide (±15–20%).
Source: CMA/OurCare 2025
32.5 wks
National median: 28.6 weeks. #8 longest of 10 provinces. From a physician survey.
Source: Fraser Institute 2025
254
3 above the national average of 251. Provincial split is estimated.
Source: CIHI HW 2024
531
Provincial split is estimated from national data.
Source: CIHI HW 2024
How an internationally trained doctor gets licensed in Quebec
From the province's medical regulator. Last checked April 2026.
Collège des médecins du Québec (CMQ)
Quebec operates a distinct pathway. IMGs apply for recognition of M.D. equivalence ($585 study fee) or restrictive permit. French proficiency (OQLF exam) required within 24 months of application. CMQ-arranged assessment stage (traineeship) required. MCCQE I and NAC required.
The main bottleneck: French language proficiency (OQLF) required within 24 months. CMQ stage placement is limited and arranged by CMQ only.
Regulator's registration page (opens in a new tab)- Application fee
- $585 CAD (study of MD file / équivalence)
- Yearly licence fee
- $1,930 CAD
- Canadian residency needed
- CMQ-arranged traineeship (stage) required; Canadian residency or CMQ stage equivalent.
Regulator fees only. National exams, assessments and immigration fees are extra; see the full cost breakdown.
Live in Quebec? 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