File image of healthcare workers on the job. (Image Credit: Pattison Media)

By Debra Toporowski, MLA for Cowichan Valley

Opinion

YOUR PERSPECTIVE: Strengthening B.C.’s healthcare workforce

Mar 25, 2026 | 12:14 PM

British Columbia is an amazing place to work, start a family, or retire. As our communities grow it has become clear that we need more health care professionals to support people through every stage of life. That’s why our government launched a campaign in March 2025, to recruit more doctors, nurses, and allied health professionals from the U.S., so that people from every corner of the province can access the healthcare they need.

As our recruitment campaign reaches its first birthday, we have already seen outstanding milestones. More than 400 U.S. trained health professionals have accepted job offers within our public healthcare system. Many of these health professions, nurses and doctors are already supporting patients in hospitals and community settings across the province. British Columbia now has the most doctors per capita in Canada, with over 15,000 physicians who call our province home.

As an MLA, I hear every day how important it is that British Columbians have access to health services close to home. To bring these healthcare services to communities faster, we have expedited accreditation for U.S. trained doctors and nurses so they can smoothly transition their practice over to B.C. We have been receiving lots of interest from American health care professionals that want to work in B.C., with over 3,000 job applications submitted since the campaign launched.

Here in Fraser Health, we have gained 105 healthcare professionals- the largest amount of all the health authorities! This year, the region welcomed three physicians, 78 nurses, and 22 nurse practitioners who are working alongside our dedicated healthcare workers to deliver quality care to Patients across Fraser Valley.

Recruiting U.S. trained healthcare professionals is only one aspect of B.C.’s health care plan. In September, SFU’s school of medicine will begin educating its first cohort of students, making it the first medical school to open in western Canada in 60 years. Bringing accessible, world class health care to our province means taking a Team B.C approach by welcoming health professionals from around the word while also focusing on training more doctors, nurses and specialists right here at home.

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British Columbian’s deserve good quality healthcare they can access close to home. One thing British Columbians are great at, is welcoming new neighbours, and I know that in communities across the province we’re thrilled to have more health care workers joining us from the U.S., and around the globe. When we work together towards this goal, our communities become stronger, healthier and even more vibrant.