Manitoba has introduced a faster registration process for internationally trained pharmacists that reduces licensing timelines from four and a half years to approximately 75 days.
The streamlined pathway, which took effect in December 2025, applies to pharmacists from the United States, Australia, United Kingdom, New Zealand and the Republic of Ireland.
“By making it easier for qualified pharmacists, including those from the U.S., to practise in Manitoba, we are improving timely access to care and strengthening our universal health-care system,” said Uzoma Asagwara, health, seniors and long-term care minister.
Early uptake
Since the new pathway launched, three internationally trained applicants, including one from the United States, are moving through the expedited process.
In 2025, 51 pharmacists educated in the United States became licensed to practise in Manitoba under the previous system.
The initiative follows the Manitoba government’s recent efforts to recruit physicians from the United States and aims to remove barriers for qualified health professionals while maintaining public safety standards, according to the province.
Requirements and transition
Applicants must be in good standing in their home jurisdiction, meet recent practice requirements, complete a Manitoba jurisprudence exam and complete a supervised practice period.
“This expedited pathway helps ensure Manitobans can receive timely, continuous pharmacy care by allowing qualified internationally trained pharmacists from select jurisdictions to enter practice sooner, while still meeting Manitoba’s high regulatory standards,” said Kevin Hamilton, registrar and CEO of the College of Pharmacists of Manitoba.
Access and equity
Asagwara said pharmacists are among the most accessible health-care providers, particularly in rural and remote communities.
The minister noted that Manitoba’s publicly funded health-care system allows patients to receive care based on need, which reflects Canadian health-care values and supports equitable access.
