News Summary
British Columbia’s health-care system is experiencing a major influx of interest from U.S.-based professionals, with nearly 780 applications in just two months. This recruitment drive aims to address staffing shortages in the province’s health-care system. As part of the strategy, recent changes to licensing regulations have made it easier for U.S.-trained doctors to practice in B.C., resulting in a significant number of applications. Coupled with similar efforts across Canada, these measures highlight the urgent need for health professionals in British Columbia to meet growing demands.
Vancouver, British Columbia – British Columbia’s health-care system is witnessing a significant surge in interest from U.S.-based health-care professionals, with nearly 780 applications received in just two months. This recruitment drive is a proactive approach to address ongoing staffing shortages plaguing the province’s health-care system.
The recent recruitment campaign, which launched in June and focused primarily on attracting professionals from Washington, Oregon, and parts of California, has already yielded impressive results. Interior Health, which serves a substantial region of B.C., received 181 applications, making it the highest applicant region within the province. Alongside Interior Health, other health regions also saw a notable influx in job applications. Fraser Health received 154 applications, Vancouver Coastal Health had 121 applications, Island Health received 112 applications, Providence Health Care garnered 70 applications, the Provincial Health Services Authority saw 66 applications, and Northern Health reported 63 applications.
This recruitment effort is part of a broader strategy initiated by the B.C. government to tackle acute staffing shortages across the health-care sector. Since March 2025, over 2,250 health professionals have expressed an interest in relocating to B.C., including 827 physicians, 851 nurses, 254 nurse practitioners, and 256 allied health workers. The statistic highlights not only the urgency of the situation but also the effectiveness of the targeted campaign.
Health Minister Josie Osborne noted that the initial response to the campaign has exceeded expectations. The recent bylaw changes approved by the College of Physicians and Surgeons of B.C. (CPSBC) on July 7, 2025, made it easier for foreign-trained doctors to obtain licensure in B.C. U.S.-trained doctors who are certified by recognized boards can now be fully licensed in B.C. without the need for additional assessments, exams, or training, allowing them to practice in as little as a few weeks. Furthermore, these changes eliminated the requirement for doctors trained outside Canada and the U.S. to hold a Licentiate of the Medical Council of Canada, which previously came with a cost of around $1,500.
As a result of the new regulations, CPSBC received 29 new registration applications from U.S.-based doctors within the first week of the changes. Efforts are underway to consider additional amendments for doctors from other regions, including Australia, the U.K., Ireland, New Zealand, and various other jurisdictions, which are currently under public consultation.
The recruitment campaign in British Columbia reflects similar initiatives in other Canadian provinces, such as Alberta, Ontario, Nova Scotia, and New Brunswick, which also focus on recognizing international credentials to alleviate health-care staffing challenges. The collaborative approach, referred to as “Team B.C.,” involves partnerships between health authorities and professional colleges to streamline processes and bolster recruitment efforts.
With approximately 300,000 residents in British Columbia currently without a family doctor, the need for health professionals is urgent. The province has been experiencing a growing number of hospital closures due to doctor shortages, further emphasizing the critical need for immediate action to stabilize the health-care system.
In addition to efforts to recruit doctors, the B.C. College of Nurses and Midwives has also simplified the process for nurses to transfer their qualifications. Since the changes were introduced, 320 nurses have received their registration, marking a significant milestone towards easing the nursing shortfall in the province.
The proactive measures being implemented are essential to ensure that British Columbia can effectively address health-care challenges and provide the necessary services to its residents. As more qualified professionals from the U.S. express interest in relocating to the province, the health-care system is poised to strengthen and adapt to meet the growing demands of the population.
Deeper Dive: News & Info About This Topic
HERE Resources
British Columbia Seeks Healthcare Workers from U.S.
Additional Resources
- Victoria Buzz
- Abbotsford News
- HR Consultant Magazine
- The Globe and Mail
- Wikipedia: Healthcare in Canada
Author: STAFF HERE INDIANAPOLIS WRITER
INDIANAPOLIS STAFF WRITER The INDIANAPOLIS STAFF WRITER represents the experienced team at HEREIndianapolis.com, your go-to source for actionable local news and information in Indianapolis, Marion County, and beyond. Specializing in "news you can use," we cover essential topics like product reviews for personal and business needs, local business directories, politics, real estate trends, neighborhood insights, and state news affecting the area—with deep expertise drawn from years of dedicated reporting and strong community input, including local press releases and business updates. We deliver top reporting on high-value events such as the Indianapolis 500, Indy Jazz Fest, and the Indiana State Fair. Our coverage extends to key organizations like the Indy Chamber and Visit Indy, plus leading businesses in motorsports and healthcare that power the local economy such as Indianapolis Motor Speedway and IU Health. As part of the broader HERE network, we provide comprehensive, credible insights into Indiana's dynamic landscape.
