Keep the Door Open
Defend Fair Residency Access in Ontario
Ontario introduced a rule requiring International Medical Graduates to have completed two years of Ontario high school to apply to the CaRMS R1 residency match. The Superior Court has paused the policy, finding a strong case that it violates Charter equality and mobility rights and causes irreparable harm. A constitutional challenge is now underway to permanently overturn it. It will only continue with urgent community support.
(Charitable tax receipt available)
Urgent: $100, 000 is needed in the next few weeks to keep the case moving forward.
An Arbitrary and Un-Canadian Policy
In October, the Government of Ontario introduced a policy restricting IMG applicants, who are already limited to Canadian Citizens and Permanent Residents, by requiring two years of Ontario high school to apply for residency.
- This rule does not measure competence.
- It does not measure performance.
- It does not measure commitment to Ontario patients.
- It measures where someone attended high school.
As a result, many highly qualified candidates are excluded, including:
- Canadians raised in other provinces who completed medical school abroad
- A medical student born in Alberta who studied medicine in Ireland
- A fully trained physician from South Africa who is now a Canadian permanent resident seeking to retrain
- A new Canadian citizen who immigrated from India, completed a PhD, and is committed to practicing here
There is no evidence that high school location predicts physician retention or performance. Yet this policy closes the door on doctors our health system urgently needs.
What the Court Has Said
A constitutional challenge was filed in the Superior Court of Ontario.
In December, the Court granted an injunction pausing the policy for the 2026 CaRMS match. The Court determined there is a strong case that the rule:
- Violates Charter rights of equality and mobility
- Causes irreparable harm to IMGs
- Harms Ontario's health system
The full constitutional hearing is now underway to permanently overturn the rule. But litigation at this scale requires community support.
Why This Matters to Patients and the Health System
International Medical Graduates are essential to Ontario's healthcare system.
- IMGs make up 25 percent of all physicians in Ontario
- One third of Ontario's family physicians are IMGs
- Many serve rural, northern, and underserved communities
At a time when one in five Canadians does not have a family doctor, Ontario cannot afford to shrink its physician pipeline based on an arbitrary criterion unrelated to merit or patient need.
- This is not just about physicians.
- It is about patients waiting for care.
- It is about maintaining a sustainable and equitable health workforce.
- It is about fairness in a country that values opportunity and mobility.
A Constitutional Case of National Importance
The outcome of this case could set precedent for:
- Physician workforce supply and access to care
- Whether governments can restrict physician training access for Canadian citizens and permanent residents using criteria linked to geography or background
- Whether Charter equality and mobility rights are upheld in provincial health policy
This case begins in Ontario, but its implications are national.
What Is Needed to Keep the Case Going
To fund the constitutional hearing from February 27 to June 8, 2026, we must raise $100,000 in legal costs. This represents thousands of hours of work at reduced rates.
The legal team at Landings LLP has already contributed hundreds of hours pro bono to secure the injunction.
To proceed with the next phase of litigation, we urgently need:
$25, 000 in the next 10 days
Without this funding, the case cannot continue. Every contribution makes a difference.
How to Donate
Charitable tax receipt required:
Donate through CanadaHelpsNo tax receipt required:
Donate directly to the litigation legal trustPayment for Landings LLP Please write "IMG Charter Litigation" in the description.
Privacy and Confidentiality
Your identity and payment details cannot be disclosed or shared without your express written consent and are protected under the law. Funds raised are held in a regulated legal trust and released only for litigation work as completed, in accordance with Law Society rules.
FAQ: The IMG Charter Challenge and How to Help
What is the Ontario policy being challenged?
Ontario introduced a rule requiring IMGs to have completed two years of Ontario high school to apply to Ontario residency programs through the CaRMS R1 match.
Who does this affect?
It affects International Medical Graduates who are already required to be Canadian Citizens or Permanent Residents to apply through CaRMS. It excludes many highly qualified people, including Canadians raised in other provinces who studied medicine abroad and new Canadians who trained as physicians elsewhere.
Has the policy been stopped?
It has been paused temporarily. The Superior Court of Ontario granted an injunction pausing the policy for the 2026 CaRMS match.
What did the Court say?
The Court found there is a strong case the policy violates Charter rights of equality and mobility and causes irreparable harm to IMGs and the health system.
Why is this case important for all Canadians?
The outcome could affect physician workforce supply and patient care, government authority in regulating training access, and how Charter rights are applied in provincial healthcare policy.
Why does high school location not make sense as a requirement?
There is no evidence that attending high school in Ontario predicts physician performance or retention. Residency access should be based on merit and competence, not where someone attended high school.
What is the fundraising goal and timeline?
We need $100 000 for the full constitutional hearing from February 27 to June 8, 2026. We urgently need $25 000 in the next 10 days for the case to continue.
How can I donate?
Charitable tax receipt required: Use the CanadaHelps donation page Keep the Door Open: Defend Fair Residency Access for International Medical Graduates Donate directly to the legal trust account: Payment for Landings LLP Please write "IMG Charter Litigation" in the description.
Is my donation confidential?
Yes. Your identity and payment details cannot be disclosed or shared without your express written consent. Funds are held in a regulated legal trust and disbursed only for litigation work in accordance with Law Society rules.
Ontario needs doctors.
Patients need care.
Canada must uphold fairness.
Help keep the door open. Donate today.