Colwood, British Columbia, is taking an unconventional approach to addressing a critical shortage of family doctors by building and funding its own clinic. The city is currently finalizing plans to locate the clinic on the second floor of the city building and is actively working on solutions to improve accessibility. The initiative aims to connect 10,000 residents with family doctors within five years.

However, the move raises questions about municipal responsibility for healthcare. Steven Lewis, a health policy expert at Simon Fraser University, argues that the city is stepping in due to provincial inaction. “I would be going back to the province and saying wait a minute who’s responsible for this anyway and we are only doing this because you didn’t do your job,” Lewis stated. Residents like Tita Suarez express relief at the prospect of easier access to care, currently relying on walk-in clinics or emergency rooms.

Meanwhile, the British Columbia government is pursuing another strategy to bolster its healthcare workforce: recruiting professionals from the United States. Driven in part by dissatisfaction among US healthcare workers following the 2016 election, BC has launched targeted advertising campaigns and even a food truck campaign in Seattle to attract nurses and doctors.

According to the province, over 140 doctors, nurses, and nurse practitioners have already accepted job offers and are relocating to BC. Brandy Fry, a registered nurse with 25 years of experience in Southern California, recently moved to Nanaimo General Hospital. She cited a desire for a more just and inclusive society for her son as a key factor in her decision. “When Trump came into office, it was like everything turned just so vulgar and ugly,” Fry explained. “I just didn't see that happening [a positive future]… I really didn't see that happening.”