We will strengthen our position and collaboration within the system through strategic alliances and enhanced government relations
The Medical Council of Canada (MCC) is focused on transforming the Canadian medical licensure and health professional regulatory system and improving access to safe care, an endeavor that cannot be accomplished alone. To achieve this, we must engage and rely on our partners and community to help drive positive change across Canada. This involves proactive engagement, transparent communication, and mutual support to align our objectives with broader policy goals. By fostering strong collaboration and leveraging collective expertise, we are ensuring sustainable growth and improved health outcomes for everyone in Canada.
Action plans
- Create a collaborative network dedicated to sharing advancements in assessment and credentialing across various medical disciplines. Expand outreach to provinces and territories to better understand unique regional health care challenges and needs.
- Enhance engagement with Canadian medical graduates and medical schools through targeted outreach programs.
Key performance indicators (KPIs)
- The open rate of our communications is a metric that indicates how well our messages are targeted to and resonate with our audience. It reflects the perceived value and relevance of the information we provide.
- The number of invitations MCC representatives receive to speak at external events measures the perceived thought leadership and expertise of the MCC. It also reflects recognition of the MCC’s role and influence with partners and within the broader system.
Progress towards this objective
The MCC currently participates in several forums where health human resources are being addressed. To deliver on this objective and advance our work, we will enhance visibility and cultivate strategic relationships by increasing engagement at MCC events and amplifying our presence in the health care community. Recent updates include:
Network building
- The MCC continues to engage at all levels of government, as well as with partners and industry, to find synergies and share solutions for safe and accessible health care. We have also strengthened our work with Canadian university deans, with the postgraduate system, and with the Association of Faculties of Medicine of Canada (AFMC).
- In February 2025, the MCC partnered with the Accreditation Council for Graduate Medical Education (ACGME) and Intealth to strengthen workplace-based assessments as part of Practice-Ready Assessment programs in both Canada and the United States, and this work continues.
- Between July 2024 and August 2026, CEO Dr. Viren Naik shared expertise and knowledge through his participation in nearly 100 invited presentations, interviews, and panel discussions in Canada and abroad. In October 2025, he presented to the House of Commons Standing Committee on Health, advocating for a national approach to physician licensure pathways, among other items. Additionally, members of MCC’s senior leadership team participated in nearly 30 public presentations and panel discussions at events around the world.
- Together with five other medical organizations, the MCC signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) with the National Circle for Indigenous Medical Education (NCIME) in February 2026. The MOU is aimed at facilitating deeper collaboration on cultural safety and addressing anti-Indigenous racism.
- In April 2026, the MCC announced a new executive role of chief medical officer (CMO), marking a commitment to strengthening physician leadership and to advance strategic priorities. The role will be held by Dr. Sarita Verma until December 2026.
- As part of ongoing efforts to improve supports for international medical graduates and Canadians studying abroad, members of the MCC leadership team continue to strengthen relationships with international partners. Recent engagements include meetings with the Canadian Ambassador to Ireland, the Australian Ambassador to Canada, and the General Medical Council in the United Kingdom.
Communications engagement
- MCC continues to demonstrate strong community engagement, achieving an average open rate of49 per cent on electronic communications, higher than the industry standard.
What’s next?
Building alliances
- We continue strengthening our position with additional proactive outreach, participation in industry conferences, and collaboration on projects that align with our strategic goals. By building these alliances, we aim to create a robust support system that uses collective knowledge and resources to positively shape the health care landscape.