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ITPC Statement on CARMS 2025–2026 Updates for Internationally Trained Physicians


FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

October 8th, 2025


ITPC Statement on CARMS 2025–2026 Updates for Internationally Trained Physicians


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Today, updates to the Canadian Resident Matching Service (CARMS) for the 2025-2026 cycle were announced. In the first iteration of CARMS, only Canadian ITPs who attended high school in Ontario will be eligible to participate.These changes will result in the exclusion of thousands of immigrant Internationally Trained Physicians (ITPs) from applying for CaRMS in the 1st iteration. This discrimination is unacceptable. Despite being legally Canadian, the discrimination and the segregation based on the degree of “Canadian-ness” persists. ITPC emphasizes the importance of equitable access to residency positions for all Canadians. Immigrant ITPs living in Ontario may not have attended high school in the province, but many have deep and meaningful ties; raising their families here, contributing to the workforce, paying taxes, and choosing to make Ontario their long-term home for generations to come.


The exclusion of highly skilled and experienced ITPs who have the expertise and

dedication to contribute to Ontario’s healthcare system is a travesty and an injustice to the ITP and to the thousands of Ontario residents in need of adequate health workforce to support their needs. ITPC advocates for the opening of all residency spots in all programs to all ITPs. We condemn the practice of excluding taxpaying Canadian citizens and permanent residents from pathways to self-actualisation. We condemn an immigration system that invites medical professionals only to put up discriminatory barriers against them. We condemn policies that go against the diversity, equity and inclusion values that

Ontario medical residency programs proclaim. 


We Call on the Government of Ontario To:

  • Reverse this directive immediately — open the first iteration of CaRMS to all qualified ITPs.

  • Engage with ITP-led organizations like ITPC to ensure equitable representation in future decision-making.

  • Publicly renounce these actions that maliciously segregate a portion of the residents of Ontario & reaffirm Ontario’s commitment to DEI — not through slogans, but through action.


About ITPC

The Internationally Trained Physicians of Canada (ITPC) (formerly ITPO) advocates for fair and equitable opportunities for internationally trained physicians in Canada, and supports their integration into the healthcare workforce while promoting excellence in patient care.

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©2025 by Internationally Trained Physicians of Canada ITPC.

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