Saskatchewan is leading Western Canada in critical healthcare staffing, according to a new federal report, with the province outpacing both regional and national averages in nursing and paramedic numbers. Data from the Canadian Institute for Health Information (CIHI) reveals the province’s targeted recruitment and training strategies are driving significant workforce growth, bolstering confidence in its health system.
The Health Workforce in Canada Overview highlights Saskatchewan’s regulated nursing professionals as the highest per capita in Western Canada from 2019 to 2023. Last year, the province reported 1,384 nursing professionals per 100,000 residents—surpassing both the Western Canadian average (1,188) and the national average (1,192). Over five years, Saskatchewan added 1,056 nursing professionals, a 6.7% increase.
Registered Nurses (RNs) saw a 3.5% rise, climbing from 940 per 100,000 residents in 2019 to 973 in 2023. These figures far exceed the national (803) and western averages (810). The College of Registered Nurses of Saskatchewan further reported an 18% jump in licensed RNs between 2018 and 2023. Licensed Practical Nurses (LPNs) also grew modestly, from 318 to 324 per 100,000, with recent training expansions expected to accelerate this trend.
"There are many reasons for Saskatchewan residents to have confidence, as we strive to ensure our province is a desired place for healthcare professionals to work and build a career," Health Minister Jeremy Cockrill said. "As we train and recruit more staff to work here, we continue building capacity that meets or exceeds regional and national levels."
Paramedic staffing surged by 19.5% since 2019, reaching 200 per 100,000 residents in 2023—more than double the national average and the highest in Western Canada. The province also reported progress in attracting physicians, with specialist rates rising 7.1% over five years to 103.1 per 100,000. Incentives like $200,000 recruitment packages for rural physicians and expanded residency seats aim to further boost these numbers.
Provincial health authorities have hired over 1,400 nursing graduates since December 2022, reflecting aggressive recruitment of both local and out-of-province talent.
As Saskatchewan continues to expand training programs and financial incentives, officials say the focus remains on sustaining growth to meet long-term healthcare needs. With staffing levels now a national benchmark, the province aims to solidify its reputation as a leader in healthcare workforce development.