HAMILTON, March 30, 2015 – The Canadian Society for Medical Laboratory Science (CSMLS) is applauding the British Columbia government on their recent announcement that the provincial Loan Forgiveness Program is being expanded to include more health and other specialized occupations, including medical laboratory technologists (MLT). This is an important step by the government which will recruit new MLTs to under-served communities in the province.

CSMLS has recognized that recruiting new MLT graduates to under-served communities, specifically rural and remote areas, has proven to be a significant challenge for Canadian medical laboratories. MLTs are vital to ensuring that all Canadians have access to quality health care. Ensuring a supply of these vital and necessary health care practitioners should be a priority of all provincial and territorial governments.

“Medical laboratory professionals provide the vitally important data used to diagnose and treat patients,” says Tania Toffner, President of CSMLS’ board of directors. “By investing in bringing these professionals to under-served communities, the B.C. government is really investing in quality patient care.”

CSMLS has been lobbying the federal government to include MLTs in their similar Canada Student Loan Forgiveness program. CSMLS congratulates British Columbia on being the first jurisdiction to take this important step.

“We look forward to learning more about the expanded program from the Minister of Advanced Education and hope to see similar programs introduced in other provinces following B.C.’s lead by including MLTs as well,” concluded Toffner.

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For more information about CSMLS or interview requests, please contact:

Michael Grant
Director of Marketing and Communications
Phone: 905-528-8642 ext. 8687
Fax: 905-528-4968