Effective immediately, the College of Nurses of Ontario can begin allowing internationally educated nurses to practise while they work toward full registration.

Health Minister Sylvia Jones made the announcement, saying the government has approved draft regulations from the nursing college to boost the number of nurses in the province.

”These changes will bring more health care workers into our health system faster, helping to care for people when they need it,” said Jones.

Also effective immediately, the college will have more flexibility in permitting retired or non-practising nurses to return to the field.

The College of Physicians and Surgeons had also been asked by the government to suggest ways to get more doctors working in Ontario.

The health minister says effective immediately, physicians licensed in other provinces and territories can get a temporary, three-month registration to work here.

Various health system stakeholders calls the moves important first steps with ”still much to do.”