CANADA'S HEALTHCARE WORKFORCE SURGE BRINGS BOTH GROWTH AND GROWING PAINS

Canada's healthcare sector has witnessed exceptional expansion over the past 25 years, with the workforce growing by 114.8% since 1998—more than twice the rate of overall labour market growth. This increase has added 898,000 new jobs, underscoring the sector’s vital role in supporting an aging population and increasing demand for medical services.

While the numbers reflect impressive gains, the system continues to face significant structural challenges. One of the most urgent issues is the aging of the healthcare workforce itself. As of 2024, 17.9% of all healthcare workers are over the age of 55, only a modest decline from the 2018 peak of 19.6%. This demographic pressure suggests that retirement waves could intensify labour shortages, particularly in rural and underserved regions.

In response to these growing demands, immigration has become an indispensable tool in sustaining healthcare capacity. Newcomers now represent a substantial portion of the sector’s workforce, taking on roles ranging from personal support workers to internationally trained physicians and nurses. The federal and provincial governments have been adjusting credential recognition and pathway-to-practice policies to facilitate faster integration of foreign-trained professionals.

At the same time, the rapid growth has revealed systemic vulnerabilities—including burnout, staff retention, and regional disparities in workforce distribution. Policymakers are under increasing pressure to modernize workforce planning, enhance training pipelines, and ensure working conditions can meet the sector’s evolving needs.

As the healthcare system continues to expand, the role of immigrants will be increasingly central to Canada's ability to provide consistent and accessible care. Balancing this growth with sustainable practices and support for health workers remains a top national priority.

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