Saskatchewan government has launched a digital campaign to recruit physicians from the United States to practice in the province, highlighting its advantages such as competitive compensation, job security, and a lower cost of living.
Health Minister Jeremy Cockrill said the initiative aims to highlight Saskatchewan as a stable and welcoming destination.
“We want to showcase to Americans why Saskatchewan offers them a new direction by being an excellent choice for physicians who want to practice in a secure, supportive environment,” said Cockrill.
Developed in partnership with the Saskatchewan Healthcare Recruitment Agency (SHRA), the campaign also promotes upcoming physician-focused webinars and the advantages of Saskatchewan’s work-life balance.
SHRA CEO Terri Strunk pointed out that doctors with American Board certification can access one of the quickest pathways to Canadian medical licensure.
“This campaign is designed to capture the attention of physicians who may be looking north for a new opportunity,” said Strunk.
Targeting physicians in several American states, the recruitment drive places particular emphasis on emergency medicine doctors, anesthesiologists, and family physicians.
It builds on the upcoming “Saskatchewan is Calling” campaign, which will feature practising physicians from Swift Current, Saskatoon, and North Battleford.
These physicians will share stories about their career growth in the province.
Meanwhile, Saskatchewan NDP Shadow Health Minister Vicki Mowat questioned why internationally trained doctors already in the province remain unable to secure accreditation.
“After 18 years of the Sask Party, Saskatchewan is ranked last in Canada on healthcare,” said Mowat, pointing to long hospital and surgery wait times.
“This Sask Party government broke our healthcare system and will have to do much more to fix it.”
The new US campaign is set to run in early spring.