The Society of Rural Physicians of Canada Advocates for a National Rural Health Human Resource Strategy to Address the Healthcare Crisis in Rural Areas of Canada

Press Release

March 27, 2025

Canada’s rural health workforce is in crisis, and urgent action is needed. Severe shortages of rural physicians and closures of emergency departments are regularly reported across Canada. The number of Canadians living in rural, remote, and Indigenous communities who do not have a family physician is growing each year.

The Caring for Canadians report has demonstrated a shortage of 23,000 family doctors across the country, with the greatest shortage affecting rural and remote Canada. Federal, provincial, and territorial ministers have acknowledged the need to act. The Society of Rural Physicians of Canada (SRPC) is committed to ensuring residents of these communities receive high-quality, comprehensive health care close to home.

To address the healthcare crisis, the SRPC is calling on government to:

• Develop and resource a comprehensive, national rural health human resource strategy, led by a national rural health commissioner, to support rural physicians and healthcare teams.
• Support pan-Canadian licensure to enable physicians to easily work anywhere in Canada.
• Ensure improved pathways to licensure in all jurisdictions for internationally trained physicians to enable them to practice medicine in Canada.
• Provide ongoing funding for the National Advanced Skills and Training Program for Rural Practice, ensuring physicians have the skills to care for changing health needs in communities.

“Now is the time to act. Canadians living in rural and remote areas are worried about their health and that of their loved ones. We need a focused, clear plan that supports the needs of those living in rural, remote, and Indigenous communities.”
– Dr. Gavin Parker, President, SRPC

The SRPC has outlined strategic priorities and specific actions required to support rural physicians and improve the health of those living in rural, remote, and Indigenous communities.

For over 30 years, the Society of Rural Physicians of Canada has been the national voice of Canadian rural physicians, advocating on behalf of rural healthcare providers. The SRPC is dedicated to ensuring that rural physicians can deliver high-quality, comprehensive care in their communities.

Media Contact:
Jennifer Barr
jenniferm@srpc.ca
877-276-1949

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