Policy Brief: Healthcare Investment and Immigration Acceleration Program (HIIAP) (proposal)

 

Executive Summary

Canada is experiencing a critical healthcare labour shortage and mounting pressure on infrastructure, especially in rural and underserved regions. The Healthcare Investment and Immigration Acceleration Program (HIIAP) is a federal initiative designed to simultaneously boost the workforce and scale medical infrastructure using immigration reform and foreign investment. The plan aligns with Canada’s economic and demographic needs while ensuring timely access to care.

---

🧩 Pillar 1: Immigration Pathways for International Healthcare Professionals

1.1 Global Health Express Immigration Stream

• Fast-track work permits and permanent residency for:

  • Physicians, nurses, PSWs, midwives, and allied health professionals

  • Healthcare IT specialists and operations professionals

• Eligible candidates must hold a medical or healthcare degree from a recognized institution, possess at least one year of experience, and meet CLB 6–9 language standards.

1.2 Priority Source Countries

Includes but is not limited to:

• USA, EU nations, Hong Kong, South Korea, Japan, Singapore

• Philippines, Nigeria, Kenya, South Africa, Mexico, Colombia, Brazil

---

🏛️ Pillar 2: Fast-Track Credential Recognition

2.1 Global Credential Accord (GCA)

• A bilateral/multilateral framework to fast-track recognition of credentials from top global medical institutions.

• Features:

  • Pre-arrival online evaluation

  • IRCC/ESDC-funded 6-month bridging programs

  • Digital credentialing and verification platform

  • Tiered licensing (e.g., provisional licenses)

---

🌍 Pillar 3: Foreign Investment in Healthcare Infrastructure

3.1 Canada Health Infrastructure Investment Fund (CHIIF)

A public-private investment vehicle enabling foreign capital to:

• Build or upgrade regional hospitals, senior care homes, and research centres

• Finance innovation in telemedicine, digital records, and AI diagnostics

Investor Incentives:

• Capital gains tax holidays on long-term projects

• Executive PR pathways for developers and medical entrepreneurs

---

📍 Pillar 4: Regional Health Integration Zones (R-HIZ)

Targeted communities with limited healthcare access will:

• Receive priority allocations for immigrant professionals

• Get fast-track support for new clinics and hospitals

• Offer settlement supports, including housing, language, and spousal permits

---

📊 Metrics & Targets (2025–2030)

Area	Goal
👩‍⚕️ Healthcare Workers	75,000+ international hires
🌍 Foreign Investment	$10B+ via CHIIF
🏥 Infrastructure	100+ new/renovated facilities
📋 Licensing	Credential recognition time ↓ 70%