Maple News reports that four Canadian provinces—Manitoba, Newfoundland and Labrador, Nova Scotia, and Prince Edward Island—have launched targeted incentive programs to attract skilled immigrants in healthcare. These measures reflect Canada’s ongoing strategy to address critical healthcare shortages by welcoming global talent through provincial and federal initiatives.
Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC) has recently expanded efforts to fill gaps in healthcare, but provincial programs are taking a more direct approach through financial and logistical support for newcomers. The incentives range from tuition reimbursements to signing bonuses and licensure support, making provincial healthcare systems more accessible to qualified international professionals.
In Manitoba, the Health Human Resource Action Plan aims to recruit 2,000 new healthcare workers. Among its newest incentives are a one-time $500 increase in Health Spending Accounts (or $250 for part-time workers), reimbursement for professional licensure fees for two years, and an $8 hourly premium for weekend work—retroactive to November 2022. These benefits are part of a broader package with over 10 distinct offerings for healthcare employees.
Newfoundland and Labrador has unveiled a suite of incentives through the Come Home Incentive and related programs. These include relocation grants, signing bonuses, and startup support for health professionals who want to establish practices in underserved regions. The broader goal is to rebuild capacity in rural areas while encouraging skilled Canadians and newcomers alike to settle in the province.
Nova Scotia’s healthcare recruitment strategy includes offering payments of up to $10,000 for foreign-trained nurses to help cover the costs associated with credential recognition. The province also supports specialized bridging programs that fast-track the integration of internationally educated healthcare workers into the system.
Prince Edward Island is similarly focused on streamlining pathways for internationally trained professionals. Through its Health Recruitment and Retention Incentive Program, healthcare workers who commit to stay in the province for a minimum period can receive signing incentives, relocation assistance, and help navigating regulatory hurdles.
These provincial measures align with ongoing federal initiatives that prioritize healthcare occupations under Canada’s Express Entry system. Recent targeted draws for healthcare professionals demonstrate the government’s focus on welcoming skilled workers to fill labor shortages across the country.
With an aging population and an overburdened healthcare system, Canada’s targeted approach to attracting global healthcare talent reflects both necessity and innovation. Provincial incentives not only reduce financial barriers for newcomers but also ensure better regional access to care.
Maple News will continue to track emerging immigration and workforce trends across Canada’s provinces.