Province-by-Province Breakdown of GP Opportunities in Canada

A Strategic Overview for International General Practitioners

Canada’s primary care market is provincially regulated and funded, which means that job opportunities, income structures, licensing pathways and immigration incentives vary significantly between provinces and territories. For internationally trained General Practitioners (Family Physicians), choosing the right province is one of the most important strategic decisions in the relocation process. Below is a practical, recruitment-focused breakdown of the most active provinces for international GP recruitment.

Ontario

Physician Regulator: College of Physicians and Surgeons of Ontario
Population: 16.25 million (largest provincial market)

Demand Profile

Ongoing shortages in both urban and rural areas
Strong demand in Northern Ontario and smaller communities
Competitive urban markets (Toronto, Ottawa)

Payment Models

Blended capitation models (Family Health Organizations)
Fee-for-service (FFS)
Salary in community health centres

Earnings

Gross billings typically CAD $300,000–$450,000+
Rural incentives available

Pathway for International GPs

CFPC eligibility for GPs with approved qualifications
Practice Ready Assessment (PRA) options
Return-of-service agreements common

Best suited for: GPs seeking large patient populations and structured capitation models.

British Columbia

Physician Regulator: College of Physicians and Surgeons of British Columbia

Population: 5.7 million

Demand Profile

High demand across Vancouver Island and Interior regions
Significant rural recruitment drive

Payment Reform

BC recently introduced the Longitudinal Family Physician (LFP) payment model, blending:

Time-based payment
Patient complexity adjustment
Fee for service (FFS) components

This reform has improved predictability of earnings.

Earnings

CAD $275,000–$400,000+ depending on model
Rural retention bonuses

Best suited for: GPs wanting lifestyle balance and coastal living with evolving payment reform stability.

Alberta

Regulator: College of Physicians and Surgeons of Alberta

Population: 5 million

Demand Profile

Strong rural and regional shortages
Stable urban markets (Calgary, Edmonton)

Payment Structure

Predominantly Fee-for-Service
Primary Care Networks (PCNs) provide additional funding

Earnings

CAD $350,000–$600,000+ (particularly rural with expanded scope)

Incentives

Rural recruitment grants
Relocation allowances
Signing bonuses

Best suited for: Procedurally confident GPs seeking high income and broader scope of practice.

Nova Scotia

Regulator: College of Physicians and Surgeons of Nova Scotia

Population: 1.1 million

Demand Profile

Active international recruitment strategy
Significant GP shortages

Payment

Blended models and salary options
Strong provincial recruitment packages

Immigration

Provincial Nominee Program (PNP) physician streams available

Earnings

CAD $250,000–$400,000+

Best suited for: GPs seeking a structured relocation pathway and strong immigration support.

Saskatchewan

Regulator: College of Physicians and Surgeons of Saskatchewan

Population: 1.26 million

Key Advantage

One of the most established Practice Ready Assessment (PRA) programmes in Canada.

Demand Profile

High rural demand
Underserved communities actively recruiting
Urban practice positions available in capital Saskatoon

Earnings

CAD $350,000–$500,000+
Significant rural incentives

Best suited for: International GPs requiring a clear PRA pathway with structured supervision.

Manitoba

Regulator: College of Physicians and Surgeons of Manitoba

Population: 1.5 million

Demand Profile

Rural and northern physician shortages
Active recruitment of internationally trained doctors

PRA Programme

Well-developed and internationally recognised.

Earnings

CAD $325,000–$500,000+

Best suited for: GPs open to rural medicine and structured entry routes.

Newfoundland & Labrador

Regulator: College of Physicians and Surgeons of Newfoundland and Labrador

Population: 549,738

Demand Profile

Significant recruitment drive
High need for community-based GPs
Rural practices

Incentives

Signing bonuses
Relocation assistance
Return-of-service arrangements

Earnings

CAD $350,000–$550,000+

Best suited for: GPs prioritising rapid entry and strong provincial support.

Quebec

Regulator: Collège des médecins du Québec

Population: 9.11 million

Key Consideration

French language fluency mandatory
Distinct regulatory system

Demand

Ongoing need, particularly outside Montreal

Best suited for: Francophone physicians.

Province	PRA Access	Rural Incentives	Income Potential	Immigration Support
Ontario	Moderate	Yes	High	Moderate
BC	Moderate	Yes	Moderate - High	Moderate
Alberta	Limited PRA	Strong	Very High	Moderate
Nova Scotia	Strong	Moderate	Moderate	Strong
Saskatchewan	Strong	Strong	High	Strong
Manitoba	Strong	Strong	High	Strong
Newfoundland	Strong	Strong	High	Strong

Strategic Comparison Table

Key Strategic Considerations for International GPs

Before applying for GP positions, candidates should research the 13 provinces and territories of Canada and select a preferred province which offers opportunities compatible with personal career and lifestyle goals and the possibility of securing an appropriate physician licence and visa.

When selecting a province, evaluate: