Addressing Canada’s Midwifery Shortage: The Role of Internationally Trained Midwives

Canada is facing a growing demand for midwives – yet the pathway into the profession remains narrow and highly competitive. Demand for midwives spiked during the COVID-19 pandemic after a period of decline in non-hospital births from 2015-2019, according to Statistics Canada. From 2019 to 2020, the report cited that more women chose to give birth in the home, a birthing centre, or another facility other than a hospital.

Post-pandemic, midwives’ role remains especially important, particularly in the current healthcare climate, where access to consistent, compassionate care is often limited. Midwives are considered primary care providers in Canada, delivering holistic, person-centered care from pregnancy through to six weeks postpartum.

For internationally trained midwives, the difficulty of entering the profession in Canada can be especially discouraging. But there is good news: The International Midwifery Bridging Program (IMPBP) at The Chang School is helping skilled professionals transition into practice in Canada.

We spoke with Faduma Gure, a midwifery expert and curriculum developer who worked with The Chang School to develop courses in the IMPBP, to understand the landscape of midwifery in Canada and the urgent need to support internationally trained professionals.

“Midwives are really in demand,” says Faduma. “While many people in Canada hope to be able to have a midwife support them through pregnancy and postpartum, not everyone who requests a midwife is able to access one.”

Facing the Challenges of Midwifery Head On

A major challenge is capacity. With only two midwifery education programs in Ontario – and limited placements for students – the system is stretched thin. The pandemic and ongoing burnout have only worsened the situation.

“It’s a slow-moving process to grow the profession,” Faduma explains. “You need experienced midwives to mentor student midwives, but many are leaving the profession or scaling back due to burnout.”

It is estimated that an additional 9,000 midwives are needed in Canada by 2030 to meet the sexual and reproductive health needs of communities, according to the Canadian Association of Midwives.

Programs like the IMPBP at The Chang School are critical to closing this gap. The program offers internationally trained midwives a structured, accelerated pathway to becoming eligible for registration and practice in Canada – without duplicating years of training already completed abroad.

“This is currently one of two bridging programs for midwives in Canada,” says Faduma. “It’s a vital opportunity for midwives who come here with a wealth of experience and are eager to contribute.”

To help learners with financing, there are low-interest loans available through Windmill Microlending. For more information on this as well as other microlending options, visit the “Financial Support” section on the IMPBP program page.

Playing a Vital Role in Supporting Healthcare

However, Faduma notes that new midwives – especially those trained internationally – may need to be open to practicing in underserved or rural communities, where the need is even more acute. The IMPBP has a placement where learners get to practice in rural and remote locations where there is a need for midwives.

“There’s strong interest in the program, and it’s clear that internationally trained midwives are ready to step in,” she adds. “We just need the infrastructure, support, and public awareness to match.”

“People love the continuity of care that midwives provide,” says Faduma. “And most pregnancies fall into the category of normal, physiologic birth, which midwives are highly trained to support.”

As Canada continues to grapple with healthcare shortages, the role of midwives, and especially internationally trained midwives, has never been more vital. Programs like the IMPBP not only recognize the skills these professionals bring, but also offer a tangible solution to meeting the growing demand for inclusive, accessible maternal care.

“With the right investment and awareness, we can build a stronger, more resilient midwifery workforce,” says Faduma. “Internationally trained midwives are ready – we just need to open the door.”

By supporting programs like the IMPBP, we’re not just expanding access to midwifery care, we’re empowering experienced professionals, strengthening communities, and ensuring that more families in Canada can benefit from the compassionate, continuous care that midwives uniquely provide.

Ready to Get Started?

If you're a midwife trained outside of Canada and looking to practice in Ontario, the IMBP could be your next step.