The Government of Saskatchewan, in collaboration with the University of Saskatchewan’s College of Medicine, is expanding rural physician training with the addition of four new family medicine residency seats—two each in Nipawin and Melfort—set to begin in July 2026 as part of the Canadian Residency Match System (CaRMS).
Health Minister Jeremy Cockrill said the move reflects the province’s ongoing commitment to improving health care access. “Expanding residency seats in rural communities like Nipawin and Melfort aligns with our goal of strengthening local health care and encouraging future doctors to build their careers in Saskatchewan.”
Over the past five years, Saskatchewan has increased family medicine residency seats by 20, bringing the total to 68 for the 2026 CaRMS match. The expansion builds on previous additions in Moosomin, Weyburn, and Humboldt in 2022.
“Where learners train strongly influences where they practice,” said Dr. Sarah Forgie, Dean of the University of Saskatchewan College of Medicine. “Expanding training opportunities across the province is a key strategy to strengthen local health care.”
Local leaders welcomed the announcement, seeing it as an investment in their communities' future. Nipawin Mayor Marlon Zacharias said the new seats will support the town’s role as a regional hub, while Melfort Mayor Glenn George expressed hope the new residents would stay and serve the area long term.
The new residency seats are scheduled to begin training on July 1, 2026.