Author: Azadeh Haidari-Garmash, RCIC
Canada Intensifies Efforts to Attract Health Workers Amidst Labour Shortages
June 28, 2023—Bedford, Nova Scotia—Canada is grappling with a critical shortage of health workers, a challenge echoed across several sectors of the nation's labor force. In response, the government has unveiled pivotal changes to its premier economic immigration program, Express Entry. These modifications empower Canada to issue invitations for permanent residency to candidates possessing specific skills, training, or language proficiencies.
Today, the Honourable Sean Fraser, Minister of Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship, alongside the Honourable Jean-Yves Duclos, Minister of Health, announced the inaugural use of these new features. A dedicated round of invitations targets health workers, including doctors, nurses, dentists, physiotherapists, and optometrists. This initiative commences today with 500 invitations, followed by a second round on July 5, extending invitations to 1,500 health workers. This phased rollout is designed to ensure a seamless implementation.
A Strategic Focus on Health Care Expertise
By prioritizing candidates with expertise in health care, Canada aims to enhance access to health services for its citizens. This initiative underscores the country's commitment to welcoming in-demand professionals and skilled workers across its communities. These category-based selection rounds will complement general invitation rounds throughout the year, with further details anticipated in forthcoming announcements.
The initiative for health workers complements existing efforts to bridge labor gaps within the health sector. Notably, the Economic Mobility Pathways Pilot recently introduced two new streams, offering skilled refugees and displaced individuals the chance to leverage their education and experience in Canada. This pilot has seen significant engagement from the health care sector, with over half of the applications coming from nurses’ aides, orderlies, and patient service associates.
Broader Strategies and Investments
In April, Express Entry underwent revisions to facilitate permanent residency for physicians providing publicly funded medical services. Furthermore, in December, the government committed $90 million towards projects aimed at dismantling barriers that prevent skilled newcomers from gaining relevant work experience in their fields. Between 2017 and 2022, Canada welcomed 21,656 skilled newcomers in health occupations.
Today's announcement marks a significant advancement in Canada's strategy to recruit and retain health workers, addressing the health workforce crisis. Supporting a sustainable health workforce is a shared priority, as outlined in the "Working Together to Improve Health Care for Canadians Plan." Budget 2023 underscores this commitment with nearly $200 billion over 10 years, including $46.2 billion in new funding to enhance health care services.
Streamlining Credential Recognition
As part of these agreements, provinces and territories are urged to expedite the recognition of foreign credentials for internationally educated health professionals. This involves advancing labor mobility, beginning with multi-jurisdictional credential recognition for key health professionals. These measures aim to streamline the integration of skilled health workers into the Canadian system, ensuring that the nation’s health care needs are met efficiently and effectively.
With these strategic initiatives, Canada is poised to not only address immediate labor shortages but also to build a resilient and sustainable health workforce for the future. As the country continues to adapt and innovate in response to its labor needs, the focus remains on creating a welcoming and supportive environment for skilled immigrants who are crucial to the nation's growth and well-being.
