News Release

November 27, 2006

Advanced Education and Employment - 850

SASKATCHEWAN SUPPORTS INTERNATIONALLY EDUCATED DOCTORS

The Government of Saskatchewan is providing more than $115,000 to help
International Medical Graduates (IMGs) prepare for licensing examinations,
residency training or practice in the province.

"Trained and experienced physicians are instrumental in making life better for
Saskatchewan families and building a future here for our young people,"
Advanced Education and Employment Minister Pat Atkinson said. "The commitment
and collaboration of governments, regulatory bodies, educational institutions
and physicians is critical to enabling International Medical Graduates to
practice medicine in Saskatchewan."

"Internationally trained physicians have a great deal to offer the people of
this province," Health Minister Len Taylor said. "This program is another in a
series of many initiatives being undertaken by our government to address
shortages of key health providers and improve care for the people of
Saskatchewan."

The Province is partnering with the University of Saskatchewan College of
Medicine to establish a program that, when fully implemented, will be a
comprehensive, integrated and flexible program that is unique to Saskatchewan.

The program will be delivered through the College of Medicine, and the first
components will be offered early in 2007. The funding provided this year will
be used to:

• establish an IMG Co-ordinator position at the College of Medicine; and

• develop and deliver key units of a new exam preparation course at the
College of Medicine.

"The University of Saskatchewan is pleased to partner with the government in
creating opportunities for the many capable internationally educated
physicians living in our communities," University of Saskatchewan Provost and
Vice-President Academic Michael Atkinson said. "The College of Medicine at the
University of Saskatchewan will play a key role in the implementation of a
comprehensive program aimed at increasing the number of medical practitioners
in our province."

Medical education began at the University of Saskatchewan in 1926 and the
College developed into a medical degree granting institution in 1953.
University of Saskatchewan, College of Medicine staff, faculty and alumni have
been recognized internationally and have made strong contributions to the
medical community.

"This is really good news for the unlicensed IMGs in Saskatchewan,"
Saskatchewan International Medical Graduates Association President Dr. Lado
Kenyi said. "It is also good news for the people of Saskatchewan, because this
program will go a long way to alleviate the doctor shortage problem in the
province. We appreciate and thank the government and the College of Medicine
of University of Saskatchewan for the positive move."

This initiative is part of the Province's immigration strategy to support
increased immigration to Saskatchewan and enhance settlement and integration
services for newcomers. In 2006-07, the provincial government invested $6.3
million in immigration, up from $1.7 million the previous year.

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For More Information, Contact:

Jill Tzupa
Advanced Education and
Employment
Regina
Phone: 306-787-1331
Email:
jtzupa@sasked.gov.sk.ca
Patty
Martin
University of Saskatchewan
Saskatoon
Phone:
306-966-6919
Email: patty.martin@usask.ca

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