The British Columbia (B.C.) government is actively recruiting healthcare professionals from the United States to address staffing shortages, according to a CBC News broadcast. The recruitment drive includes advertising campaigns targeting nurses and doctors in the U.S., emphasizing “welcoming communities” and opportunities within the province.

Advertisements showcased during the CBC broadcast highlight Canada’s universal healthcare system as a key benefit of relocating to B.C. The province has also employed a food truck campaign in Seattle to reach potential candidates.

According to the broadcast, more than 140 doctors, nurses, and nurse practitioners have accepted job offers to move to B.C., and the province anticipates this number will continue to grow.

Brandy Fry, a registered nurse who recently relocated from Southern California to Nanaimo General Hospital, shared her reasons for moving to Canada during the broadcast. Fry stated that her decision was influenced by a desire for a more positive and inclusive environment for her son, citing concerns about the political climate in the U.S. following the 2016 election. She described a shift in values and a desire for a broader perspective for her son’s upbringing.

Fry’s decision was prompted by a LinkedIn post from a colleague, leading her to pursue opportunities in Canada.