The IPG Mentorship and Integration Project: Year one update
One year ago, the Canadian Pharmacists Association (CPhA) launched the International Pharmacy Graduate (IPG) Mentorship and Integration Project with funding from the Government of Canada’s Foreign Credential Recognition Program. Through this initiative, CPhA is supporting unlicensed IPGs across Canada through mentorship, learning sessions, and work placements to improve their chances of licensure and successful integration into the Canadian pharmacy workforce. As we celebrate our first anniversary, we reflect on the project’s milestones and look ahead to its evolving impact.
A growing community of support
Since its launch, the project has welcomed and onboarded 140 unlicensed IPG participants and 170 pharmacist mentors. Hundreds more IPGs have applied to the project. This impressive response underscores the high demand for supports among internationally trained pharmacists navigating the licensure process.
Mentorship is at the heart of our program, with participants and mentors alike sharing stories of growth, connection, and mutual learning. Mentorship matches have been made for 38 pairs since we launched in September 2024, providing IPGs with guidance under one-on-one virtual mentorship and hands-on mentored work experience in Canadian pharmacies.
The feedback received so far from participants has been overwhelmingly positive. As one participant shared, “I just wanted to say thank you for giving me the opportunity to be part of this wonderful program. I feel more prepared and ready for my internship. My confidence levels have also greatly improved. Thank you and the rest of your team.”
Empowering IPGs
Drawing over 500 attendees across multiple sessions this year, the large group learning sessions have been a key part of the program's early success. Topics to date have included stories and strategies from licensed IPGs about becoming a pharmacist in Canada, preparation for the Pharmacy Examining Board of Canada (PEBC) exams, and discussions on patient diversity and navigating licensure pathways. Through these sessions, we aim to create a supportive community and equip participants with the skills and confidence needed to tackle their next steps.
We’ve also introduced small group sessions to facilitate deeper engagement. Topics like interpersonal communication and provincial licensure pathways provided personalized learning opportunities, with attendees noting significant gains in their confidence and practical skills.
Our partnership with ACCES Employment has been critical to the program's early success. Along with outreach and recruitment of mentors and placement sites, they offer a range of employment supports to IPG participants, including resume assistance and interview preparation. Together, these efforts are helping IPGs bridge the gap between where they are and where they aspire to be.
Addressing challenges and learning along the way
Like any new initiative, the project has faced some initial challenges. External factors like the busy flu season in pharmacies and PEBC exam schedules delayed many work placements in the fall. Screening and matching processes have also required significant resources, highlighting the need for a more efficient approach. A wait list application was implemented in December 2024 to help us manage capacity.
Our Advisory Committee has played a key role in helping us navigate these hurdles, offering recommendations to streamline intake processes, enhance promotion, and ensure efficient matching. We’re committed to continually refining our approach, guided by lessons learned and participant feedback.
Building momentum for year 2
Looking ahead, we’re excited to expand our programming and reach. The upcoming year will feature new learning sessions on topics such as career pathways in pharmacy, rural and underserved pharmacy practice, and licensure and practice across provinces, to name a few. We're also planning virtual Speed Mentoring events with ACCES Employment to connect IPGs with mentors in a fun and dynamic format, as well as live, in-person small group sessions to provide even more opportunities for hands-on learning, engagement, and networking.
In 2025, streamlined mentorship matching combined with increased outreach to pharmacy stakeholders will help us accelerate matching and get more IPGs connected and placed. We're also excited for the launch of the IPG Integration Training—an online learning resource for mentors and employers.
Get involved
As we enter our second year, we encourage the pharmacy community to take part in this meaningful initiative. Your involvement as a speaker, mentor, or placement site host can have a profound impact on the life and career of an IPG. Your support will also help strengthen the workforce and enrich Canadian pharmacy with global perspectives.