Work in Canada
Canada Healthcare Workforce – Growth, Challenges, and the Role of Immigrants
Canada’s healthcare system has long been admired for its universal coverage and strong public health infrastructure. But in recent years, the system has experienced both a surge in workforce numbers and significant pressures. Between 1998 and 2024, the number of healthcare jobs in Canada more than doubled—an astonishing 114.8% growth. That’s nearly 900,000 new positions added in just over two decades.
However, this growth hasn’t come without challenges. From an aging workforce to regional shortages and barriers faced by immigrant professionals, the Canada healthcare workforce is at a turning point. These challenges present an opportunity to reshape healthcare staffing in ways that benefit both workers and patients.
Let’s explore what’s driving this growth, the obstacles Canada must overcome, and how immigrants are not just filling gaps—but keeping the system going.
What’s Fueling the Growth in Canada’s Healthcare Workforce?
The demand for healthcare professionals in Canada has risen due to several factors:
- Aging Population: By 2030, nearly one in four Canadians will be over the age of 65. This increase in senior citizens means greater demand for health services, especially long-term and chronic care.
- Technological Advancements: More roles are being created to handle tech-based diagnostics, telemedicine, and digital patient care.
- Policy Investments: Provincial and federal governments are investing more in healthcare infrastructure, expanding services, and increasing staffing budgets.
This has led to new roles across the system—from registered nurses and doctors to support workers like medical aides and home care staff.
Key Statistics on the Canadian Healthcare Workforce
Here are some powerful insights into the current state of Canada’s healthcare workforce:
| Occupation | Percentage of Immigrants (Aged 25–34) |
| Nurse aides, orderlies & PSWs | 24% |
| Medical specialists | 10.8% (combined immigrants and non-permanent residents) |
| Licensed practical nurses | 62% of recent immigrants hold a university degree |
| Registered nurses | 25% are foreign-born professionals |
| Pharmacists | 43% are internationally trained |
These figures highlight how essential immigrants are to Canada’s health services.
Challenges Facing Canada’s Healthcare System
1. Aging Workforce: One of the biggest threats to long-term workforce stability is the aging pool of professionals. In 2024, 17.9% of healthcare workers were aged 55 or older. While slightly improved from the 2018 peak, this number still represents a looming retirement wave.
2. Underemployment of Skilled Immigrants: Many foreign-trained healthcare workers are stuck in support roles despite holding advanced qualifications. For example, nearly half of all nurse aides who are recent immigrants have a bachelor’s degree or higher, far beyond what’s required for the job.
3. Credential Recognition Issues: Foreign credentials are oftenn’t recognized easily in Canada. This delays professional integration and forces many skilled newcomers into lower-paying jobs or roles they are overqualified for.
4. Regional Shortages: While major cities may attract more healthcare professionals, smaller communities and rural regions continue to face serious staffing gaps, impacting timely patient care.
The Crucial Role of Immigrants in Healthcare
Immigrants are vital to sustaining the Canadian healthcare workforce. Not only are they helping replace retiring workers, but they are also expanding the workforce in key areas.
A recent Statistics Canada study shows that without immigrants and non-permanent residents, many critical healthcare occupations would face unsustainable workforce shortages. In many entry- and mid-level healthcare roles, immigrants already make up nearly a quarter or more of the young workforce.
In addition:
- Immigrants are often more willing to take roles in high-demand areas.
- They fill crucial roles such as nurse aides, home support workers, and personal care attendants—occupations with low domestic recruitment rates.
- Their participation helps maintain health services in both urban and underserved rural communities.
Addressing the Challenges – A Policy Roadmap
To better support immigrant healthcare workers and maximize their impact, Canada needs a focused approach. Here are some key policy suggestions:
Improve Credential Recognition
- Faster, clearer processes for evaluating foreign education and experience
- National alignment of credentialing standards across provinces
Expand Bridging Programs
- Fund more programs that help newcomers upgrade skills and gain licensure
- Provide language and technical training tailored to healthcare roles
Invest in Mentorship and Upskilling
- Develop support networks to help new arrivals transition into higher-level jobs
- Offer government-sponsored mentorship and internship placements
Match Immigration Intake with Labour Demand
- Align Canada’s immigration streams with real-time healthcare shortages
- Prioritize skilled healthcare professionals in Express Entry and PNPs
Start Your Healthcare Career in Canada
If you’re a healthcare professional looking to work in Canada, the time to act is now. The system urgently needs your skills, but navigating immigration pathways can be complex. That’s why partnering with an expert is key.
- Book consultation with RCIC – Speak to a certified professional to explore your healthcare job options in Canada.
- Apply for Canada PR – Ensure a smooth, compliant, and fast-tracked application process.
- Hire an Expert – Get professional advice on bridging programs, credential recognition, and job opportunities in your field.
- Submit your Application – Increase your success rate with a professional guiding your application.
The Canada healthcare workforce is experiencing rapid growth—but also mounting pressure. The challenges of an aging population, regional imbalances, and underutilization of immigrant talent must be addressed with urgent and effective policies.
Immigrants are not just filling vacancies—they are revitalizing Canada’s healthcare system. With proper support, credential recognition, and integration strategies, they can help ensure that Canadian healthcare remains strong, accessible, and future-ready.
Are you a healthcare professional ready to make a difference in Canada? Don’t go it alone—trust a Regulated Canadian Immigration Consultant (RCIC) to guide your path forward and unlock your full potential in Canada’s thriving healthcare industry.
