Core Competencies for Midwives
The Canadian Competencies for Midwives outline the knowledge and skills expected of an entry-level midwife in Canada. Entry-level midwives are those who have been assessed as eligible to start practising in Canada, after they meet provincial/territorial requirements, in the full scope of practice and without supervision requirements on their registration.
The Canadian Competencies for Midwives are compatible with provincial/territorial competency statements but it does not replace them. Since midwifery in Canada is regulated by province or territory, provincial/territorial competency documents take precedence over this national document and are the ultimate source of information about what a midwife is expected to know and do in any specific province or territory.
Appendix to the Competencies for Midwives
The Appendix to the Canadian Competencies for Midwives is a companion document that expands upon the Primary Care Provider role to outline the entry-level skills & abilities expected of a Canadian midwife. In 2023-2024, the CMRC Competencies Appendix was revised to support greater inclusion and equity for marginalized people including midwifery clients who are Indigenous, racialized, sex or gender-diverse, under-housed, im(migrants), and others. The Appendix can be used by midwives, midwifery students, educators, preceptors, and midwifery regulators. It may serve as an educational tool or to provide guidance in teaching, learning, evaluation self-assessment, and more.
Printable poster (24×36”) available here.
Printable graphic (8.5×11”) available here.
Microlessons – CMRC has developed several microlessons that facilitate learning about a number of important topics found in the Appendix to the CMRC Competencies.
The Microlesson on Inclusive Language – Working with clients who are gender nonconforming encourages midwives and learners to reflect on their language use and to adopt inclusive communication strategies when providing care to clients who are transgender. By fostering a respectful and affirming environment, midwives can enhance the quality of care and promote positive health outcomes for transgender individuals.
The Microlesson on Interrupting unconscious bias in midwifery care aims to raise awareness among Canadian midwives and learners about unconscious bias in client care. By understanding the impact of biases and implementing strategies to interrupt them, midwives can foster equitable and respectful care for all clients.
The Microlesson on Midwifery care and human rights presents principles such as trauma-informed, client-centred care, and cultural humility in order to empower midwives to compassionately care for diverse birthing people. Through real-world case studies and reflective exercises, midwives can discover how to champion rights and dignity in perinatal care.
CMRC recognizes the financial support provided by Health Canada Sexual and Reproductive Health Fund in developing the Appendix and these microlessons.
CMRC Midwife Self-Assessment Tool
This CMRC tool facilitates self-assessment and reflection by registered midwives across a number of non-clinical midwifery competencies. There are 38 items with reflection-enhancing questions designed to assist midwives in the self-assessment process.