Family Physicians Can Specialize

There is currently a demand for Family Physicians with skills/training in specialized areas to work in small communities and in remote areas of Canada. A wide variety of formal courses are offered throughout Canada. more

• Canada's Shortage of Family Physicians
• Overview of Canada's Healthcare System
• Physician Malpractice Insurance in Canada

Canada Relies on International Medical Graduates

We present the big picture about the physician shortage in Canada and the reliance on IMGs. more

• Canadian Licensing for Internationally Educated Physicians
• Canada's 18 (And Counting) Medical Schools

Canada's Shortage of Family Physicians

Population demographics are affecting family physicians more directly than specialist physicians. more

• The Expanding Role of Community Pharmacists
• Canadian Licensing for Internationally Educated Physicians

Physician Malpractice Insurance in Canada

The Canadian Medical Protective Association (CMPA) is a physician-led organization that provides medical malpractice insurance. Fees differ by specialty and province.
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Canadian Licensing for Internationally Educated Physicians

Ease of Canadian licensing for internationally educated physicians depends on: 1) the country in which the physician was trained, and 2) whether the doctor is a Family Physician or a Specialist. more

Must-Dos When Applying for a Medical License in Canada

To avoid a delay in issuing a medical license, we present a step-by-step checklist of the process. more

Common Errors In Applying for a Canadian Medical License

Most applicants make a variation of the same errors: inconsistent dates, not following instructions, etc. At HZA, we check every application before the physician submits it. We are obsessive about providing exactly the requested information. more

Overview of Canadian Work Permit Pathways for Physicians

A temporary work permit or a permanent residency visa are the two main options for working in Canada. The main differences are cost and the time to obtain the permit. Otherwise, there is no difference in the benefits you receive or work responsibilities. more

CUSMA Free Trade Agreement Work Permits (AKA "NAFTA Visas")

A quick overview of work permits for healthcare professionals under the Canada-United States-Mexico Free Trade Agreement. more

Common Errors In Applying for a Canadian Work Permit

Because you are applying to the government, you are asked more invasive questions, and it's important to answer everything thoroughly, with no omissions. We check everything. more

Registered Retirement Savings Plan (RRSP)

Contributions can be up to 18% of your annual income, to a maximum (2026) of C$33,810. You pay tax when you withdraw the money, hopefully when you income is lower, so your tax rate is lower. more

Tax-Free Savings Account (TFSA)

A very popular savings account, in which you invest after-tax money, so pay no tax when you withdraw the earnings. Unfortunately, the maximum allowed contribution in 2026 is C$7000, but the amount increases almost annually. more

Maternity Leave in Canada

Not only does this benefit give the baby the undivided attention of the new parents, employers must rehire that new parent after a maximum of one year of maternity leave. The benefit has several other flexible features. more

Canadian Government Pensions

Contributions to the Canada Pension Plan are mandatory and deducted from your salary. The good news is that historically, CPP has made extremely sound investments with our money. more

Employment Insurance (EI)

Commonly known as "UNemployment Insurance," in keeping with Canada's social values, EI covers you if you are laid off or are sick and unable to work. (Of course, some people abuse the system ...) more

Overview of Canada's Healthcare System

Canada's publicly-funded healthcare system is the only one among major Western countries that does not have private in-hospital services in addition to a public system for all. more

Ranking Countries' Healthcare Systems

Ranking organizations use different data to measure the overall quality of a country's healthcare system. The media tends to quote population longeivity as an indicator of a country's overall healthcare quality. more

Does Canada Have Private Healthcare?

Canadians are typically suspicious of any "private" healthcare services. more

The Expanding Role of Community Pharmacists

During the pandemic, patients came to rely on their pharmacy to supply medical advice. In turn, pharmacists expanded their services, and provincial governments have supported this "encroachment" into areas once considered to be the territory of Family Physicians. Not all FPs are happy. more

Canada's 18 (And Counting) Medical Schools

As of 2026, Canada will have 20 medical schools. As of 2028, it will have 21. more