The province is creating a centre to help international medical grads become licensed to practise.

The new assessment centre in Halifax will start with four of the graduates providing care for about 2,500 patients.

Two physicians from Nova Scotia will supervise and assess them for a licence.

Premier Tim Houston calls it a gamechanger.

“This new path is not only a first in Canada, but a first in North America. We’re leading the way from here in Nova Scotia,” said the Premier.

The province says over time, there will be five teams of up to three international grads each, expanding to 6,400 patients.

Grads who complete the 12-week program will be required to sign a three-year return-of-service agreement.

The centre will open in January.

More to come…