Canada’s healthcare sector is facing a severe labour crisis, with job vacancies and workforce challenges reaching unprecedented levels. The shortage of healthcare professionals, including nurses, personal support workers (PSWs), and physicians, is placing immense strain on the system. As reported by recent studies, the number of job vacancies in health occupations more than doubled from 43,000 in the first quarter of 2020 to 95,200 in the first quarter of 2023. This dramatic increase underscores the urgent need for effective solutions to address the growing demand for healthcare workers.
In the fourth quarter of 2022, job vacancies for healthcare occupations hit an all-time high of 95,800. This stark increase from previous years highlights the ongoing mismatch between supply and demand in the healthcare sector. The COVID-19 pandemic has exacerbated these challenges, making it clear that immediate and coordinated efforts are necessary to bridge this gap.
The toll on healthcare workers has been significant. In 2020, healthcare workers experienced an all-time high in the number of days missed due to personal illness or disability. Nurses, in particular, missed an average of 19.5 days of work, an increase of 4.6 days compared to 2019. Additionally, healthcare employees are working longer hours than ever before. In 2022, the proportion of healthcare employees working overtime, and the number of hours they worked, continued to rise, reflecting the intense pressure on the workforce throughout the pandemic.
The high levels of stress and burnout among healthcare workers are leading to an alarming intention to leave their jobs. In August 2022, 11.2% of healthcare workers reported that they intended to leave their current job within the next year, similar to the 12.0% of workers in non-healthcare occupations. Among those intending to leave, nurses (41.6%) were most likely to cite being overworked as the main reason, followed by PSWs (23.5%) and other healthcare workers (17.7%).
Looking ahead, the healthcare sector faces several ongoing challenges. These include shortages in rural and remote areas, inefficient interprovincial labour mobility processes, readiness for virtual care, and pathways to licensure for international medical graduates. The projected need for about 78,700 physician job openings from 2022 to 2031 further emphasizes the critical demand for healthcare professionals.
At Directpath Canada, we recognize the urgent need to address these healthcare labour shortages. As a leading provider of Global Recruitment, Immigration, and Settlement Services, we have been instrumental in placing hundreds of high-skilled workers in Canada. Our expertise and commitment to excellence ensure that we source top talent from around the world to meet the critical demands of the Canadian healthcare sector.
We understand the complexities involved in recruiting and retaining skilled healthcare professionals. That’s why we advocate for the importance of working with qualified and licensed immigration consultants. Our team at Directpath Canada is dedicated to navigating the intricate immigration processes, ensuring that healthcare professionals can seamlessly integrate into the Canadian workforce and provide the essential services needed by communities across the country.
The healthcare labour shortage in Canada requires immediate and collaborative action. By addressing job vacancies, improving working conditions, and enhancing recruitment efforts, we can begin to alleviate the strain on our healthcare system. Directpath Canada stands ready to support these efforts, providing diverse solutions and pathways to ensure that Canada has the skilled workforce it needs to meet the healthcare demands of today and tomorrow.
Information Source: Statistics Canada
