ITPC response to the CMA newsletter on the B.C. Supreme Court ruling

To: CMA

We are writing to express our deep disappointment with the CMA newsletter’s coverage of the B.C. Supreme Court ruling on Return-Of-Service (ROS) obligations for Internationally Trained Physicians (ITPs). The one-sided framing of the ruling, focused primarily on its potential effect on those communities without acknowledging the experiences and perspectives of ITPs who have been subject to this mandatory obligation, is extremely concerning.

Ensuring access to care in rural, remote, and underserved communities is imperative, and ITPs have made substantial contributions to those communities 

for years. 31.1% of practising physicians in B.C. are ITPs, and many are CMA members, too. While physician workforce planning is a government responsibility, the CMA’s role includes bringing an independent physician voice to policy discussions that affect its members. Recognizing ITPs’ contributions and the equity implications of ROS policies does not conflict with supporting rural communities.

By emphasizing the ruling’s workforce implications without representing affected ITPs’ concerns, the CMA’s coverage fell short of its advocacy role. We respectfully ask the CMA to apologize for the one-sided statement, engage directly with affected ITPs, examine the equity of ROS requirements, and include ITP perspectives in future public commentary and policy discussions.

ITPs are part of Canada’s physician workforce and CMA membership. We deserve meaningful representation and advocacy from our professional association.

Sincerely,

Approved by the ITPC Board of Directors 

October 15, 2026 

Learn more: www.itpsofcanada.ca/overhaul-ros