Public policy in Canada is sensitive to changes that have occurred in society as a consequence of immigration, globalization and a new understanding of aboriginal and ethnic cultures. The traditional medical school undergraduate curriculum does not accommodate these changes. The current emphasis on evidenced-based medicine may reinforce the traditional approach because there is a dearth of global healthcare research. This review of medical schools in Canada suggests that modifications of curricula are being attempted to meet the need for knowledge of global health. Integration of global health principles and information into the current curriculum promotes a better understanding of Canada's healthcare delivery system itself as well as its role globally.