New doctor arrives in Seeley’s Bay through Ontario immigration pilot

Leeds and Grenville is one of four regions participating in the pilot

A provincial immigration pilot has helped recruit a new family doctor to Seeley’s Bay, ensuring local residents continue to have access to primary healthcare.

Dr. Tauqeer Tariq has joined the Seeley’s Bay Medical Centre, taking over the practice of retiring physician Dr. Debbie Briggs, who served the community for 28 years.

The Ontario government said Dr. Tariq was recruited from the United Kingdom through the Rural Economic Development through Immigration (REDI) pilot program. The initiative, led locally by the Leeds Grenville Economic Development Office, helped support his pathway to permanent residence and assisted with licensing requirements to practice medicine in Ontario.

Steve Clark, MPP for Leeds-Grenville-Thousand Islands and Rideau Lakes, said the recruitment highlights how the REDI program is helping address healthcare worker shortages in rural communities.

Leeds and Grenville is one of four regions participating in the pilot. Provincial officials say most applications processed through the program have been for healthcare positions.

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