How Ontario plans to speed up licensing for foreign-trained doctors

Plus, an update on the case of a North York renovation scheme and student mental health [The Star] First Up [By Manuela Vega] By Manuela Vega Good morning. Here’s the latest on Ontario’s plan to get foreign-trained doctors to work, a North York bungalow renovation scheme and the dire state of Ontario students’ mental health. DON’T MISS Supplied Photo health care [Will Ontario’s plan ease the way for foreign-trained MDs?]( A 26-year-old measured blood pressure, delivered babies and conducted endoscopies as a doctor in Syria. In Canada, she worked as a cashier at Dollarama. She’s among hundreds of foreign-born doctors admitted to the country based on their education and experience who now face challenges integrating into health care systems. According to Immigration Canada, more than 3,600 physicians have become permanent residents in Canada since 2014 — but advocates estimate only one-third of them work in health care. Irem Koca reports on [Ontario’s plan to speed up licensing for international medical graduates — and why some see it as only a first step](. - Context: The province announced this month that it will introduce a “practice-ready assessment” to fast-track international medical graduates’ integration to the health-care system. - Wait, what? People who studied medicine outside of Canada, including those born here, must go through a years-long process to get a medical license. All international medical graduates face challenges getting into the Canadian health-care system, but there are additional difficulties for foreign-born doctors. - Go deeper: Three million Ontarians, or one in five residents, might not have a family doctor by 2025, according to the Ontario College of Family Physicians. Steve Russell/The Star courts [This North York homeowner won a step in her court fight against a broker and renovator, then died in hospital]( It was almost a year ago when a Toronto Star investigation revealed that $1.5 million in mortgages had been placed on the bungalow of Judy Allen, 76, in connection with a renovation scheme. In a court action against Harold the Jewellery Buyer and Tony the Contractor, Allen alleged that she was the victim of a fraud. She got the news that she had won an important step in her battle last month — just before she died. But no finding has been made in the case yet, Kevin Donovan reports. “Judy fought to the end,” said her best friend and the executor of her estate. [Here’s why she — and Allen’s lawyer — are continuing the fight](. - More: Contractor Tony Sinopoli, mortgage broker Harold Gerstel and lawyer Kamele Barrett, “conspired to bamboozle a sick and elderly lady to enter into unconscionable loans to fund over-invoiced and substandard renovations,” Justice P. Tamara Sugunasiri said in her ruling. All three have denied the allegations. - Watch for: Criminal fraud charges are pending against Sinopoli. Police are also continuing an investigation into Gerstel. Richard Lautens/The Star star exclusive [“The kids aren’t all right”]( As young Canadians report declining mental health, more than 90 per cent of Ontario schools are in need of mental health supports, according to a new report. Meanwhile, the percentage of schools in the province with no psychologist services has nearly doubled. And only nine per cent of all schools in the province have regular access to other kinds of mental health specialists. Sara Mojtehedzadeh reports on the [system “under severe stress” amid the impact of COVID-19](. - Word from an educator: “You can’t teach kids algebra when they feel their whole world is crumbling,” one Grade 7 teacher said. - Go deeper: Three years ago, nearly 75 per cent of children aged 12 to 17 reported having good or excellent mental health. Last year, the number dropped to 61 per cent, according to national data. - On the home front: A report last year from the Toronto Board of Health noted an increase in emergency department visits related to self-harm among children and youth. WHAT ELSE Some residents are still displaced after an apartment fire in Scarborough. [Here’s what we know](. The fear over changes to Hanlan’s Point is a [symptom of Toronto’s trust problem]( Shawn Micallef writes. Canada will fast-track immigration applications from earthquake-hit areas of Turkey and Syria. [Here’s the latest on the devastation](. Police have arrested a second suspect in a scam that fraudulently sold 250 valid airline tickets. [Here’s how to protect yourself](. [The conversation around a trans teacher in Oakville]( requires us to focus on everything it has lacked so far. Government housing programs benefit the middle class, not the most in need. [A report lays out what’s driving the disparities](. Ontario residents have until May 1 to file taxes. [Here’s what happens if you miss the deadline](. Hands down, RRSPs are your most powerful retirement savings tool — [here’s what you need to know](. Are you protected after a car accident? [Rising deductibles mean your insurance company could get more than you](. This health care worker has $70,000 saved, but student loans to repay. [Can she afford to buy into a clinic?]( Toronto is in for messy weather today. [Look out for heavy winds, snow and more](. [Billy Joel dealt out hits at the OLG Stage]( grand opening in Niagara Falls. POV R.J. Johnston/The Star [The felled Osgoode Hall trees are a reminder of Toronto’s low regard for history and beauty.]( CLOSE-UP Evan Eisenstadt Photography MIDTOWN TORONTO: Linda Boorman and daughter Kirsten Boorman sit in their semi-detached, three-storey brick house built in the 1920s. The two bought it in 2012 and converted it into a legal duplex in a year-long renovation. [Take a closer look at how they divide the multi-generational home](. Thank you for reading. You can reach me and the First Up team at [firstup@thestar.ca](mailto:firstup@thestar.ca?source=newsletter&utm_source=ts_nl&utm_medium=emailutm_email=6C53B63A8E3FAD70AD4EF13004527437&utm_campaign=frst_168974). I’ll see you back here tomorrow. If you're not enjoying these emails, please tell us how we can make them better by emailing newsletterfeedback@thestar.ca. Or, if you'd prefer, you can unsubscribe from this newsletter by clicking the first link below. 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