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By Debra Toporowski, MLA for Cowichan Valley

SOUND OFF

SOUND OFF: Strengthening B.C.’s healthcare workforce

Mar 25, 2026 | 12:09 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 healthcare 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 from every corner of the province can access the health care 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 professionals, 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 more than 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 practices over to B.C. We have been receiving lots of interest from American healthcare professionals who want to work in B.C., with more than 3,000 job applications submitted since the campaign launched.

Patients, seniors and families across the Interior are already feeling the benefits of this recruitment campaign. Since the program started in 2025, we have recruited 83 healthcare professionals to Interior Heath, including 26 doctors, 42 nurses and four nurse practitioners whose expertise range from pediatrics, emergency medicine, mental health and primary care. Kamloops has already positioned itself as an attractive place for healthcare workers to call home, as physicians and nurses who have recently moved describe the community as welcoming, and supportive.

Recruiting U.S.-trained healthcare professionals is only one aspect of B.C.’s healthcare 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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SOUND OFF: Strengthening B.C.'s healthcare workforce

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

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Editor’s Note: This opinion piece reflects the views of its author, and does not necessarily represent the views of CFJC Today or Pattison Media.