Saskatchewan has more nurses per capita than any other Western Canadian province and continues to outpace the national average, according to a new report from the Canadian Institute for Health Information.
The CIHI’s Nursing in Canada 2024 report shows that nearly 17,500 nurses were licenced to practice in Saskatchewan this year, translating to 1,411 nurses per 100,000 people. That figure is well above the national average of 1,207 and reflects an 18.3% increase in the province’s nursing workforce since 2015 — more than 2,700 additional nurses.
Health Minister Jeremy Cockrill said the data reflects years of focused work.
"Not only does this latest data from the Canadian Institute for Health Information show that the province's nursing workforce is growing, it also confirms it is one of the country's largest on a per capita basis for both urban and rural areas," Cockrill said.
“We recognize that these are not just numbers, but a team of dedicated healthcare professionals helping patients, and their families. This is why our government has focused our efforts to boost and strengthen our nursing workforce so we can deliver strong results and benefit residents and communities across the province.”
Saskatchewan also topped the Western Canadian rankings for the highest number of registered nurses (1,009) and nurse practitioners (23) per 100,000 population. The province was second in licensed practical nurses (315) and registered psychiatric nurses (64).
The growth comes amid ongoing efforts to boost the health workforce through Saskatchewan’s Health Human Resources (HHR) Action Plan, which aims to bolster staffing in both urban centres and smaller communities.
Key achievements cited by the province include the hiring of nearly 2,300 nursing graduates by the Saskatchewan Health Authority (SHA) between April 2023 and June 2025.
The recruitment of nearly 400 Filipino registered nurses working across the province.
A net gain of more than 900 new nurses during the 2024–25 fiscal year, with over 1,420 new RN and RPN hires.
The filling of 250 new permanent full-time nursing positions added since 2022 to support rural and northern care, with another 60 full-time RN positions filled in 30 rural and northern locations.
The creation of 77 more permanent full-time positions in 30 rural and remote communities, including roles for RNs, LPNs, RPNs, and other in-demand professionals.
Post-secondary institutions have also added more than 340 first-year nursing program seats across registered nursing, psychiatric nursing, practical nursing, and nurse practitioner training.
Mike Northcott, SHA’s Chief Human Resources Officer, said the authority remains committed to hiring every new Saskatchewan nursing graduate and continues to focus on outreach and partnerships to attract new professionals.
"Saskatchewan Health Authority is committed to hiring each and every new nursing graduate in Saskatchewan," Northcott said.
"We actively recruit nursing and other dedicated health professionals through student outreach, meaningful partnerships and by showcasing how a career in health care offers the opportunity to make a meaningful difference. These efforts have led to a 37% decrease in the number of chronically vacant permanent full and part-time nursing positions overall, with a 50% reduction in rural and remote communities. Our nursing and health care team members have a direct impact on the health and well-being of our communities and we are grateful for the quality care they provide every day."
He noted that these efforts have led to a 37% reduction in the number of chronically vacant nursing positions, with a 50% decrease in rural and remote communities. The SHA has also seen an approximately 30% drop in the use of contracted nurses.
Rural and Remote Health Minister Lori Carr said continued progress is expected as the province builds on recent gains.
“All of these improvements demonstrate the success of our HHR Action Plan in strengthening Saskatchewan’s nursing workforce,” Carr said.
“We are committed to continue building on recent gains to support our valued nurses, bring more stability to health services, and ensure Saskatchewan residents across the province have timely, reliable access to care, as close to home as possible.”
To further support rural care, the province offers up to $50,000 in incentives for high-priority health professionals — including nurses — who accept full-time jobs in rural and remote communities. Nurse practitioners relocating to communities of 10,000 or fewer people may also qualify for a $40,000 relocation grant over five years.
In addition, Saskatchewan offers up to $20,000 in student loan forgiveness for nursing graduates who choose to work in designated rural and mid-sized communities, and up to $24,000 in tax credits through its expanded Graduate Retention Program.
