Prince Edward Island has recruited 20 health care professionals from the United States since January, part of the province’s efforts to address staffing shortages in its health system.
The new hires include physicians, nurse practitioners, registered nurses and laboratory technologists, according to the provincial government.
Physician recruitment shows strong results
The province signed agreements with 26 new physicians between January 1 and July 22, 2025, with five of those doctors relocating from the United States, according to government data. Thirteen of the 26 physicians have already started practicing, while seven will begin work in the second half of 2025 and six more will start in 2026.
This follows the hiring of 41 physicians in 2024 and more than 400 full-time positions filled at Health PEI, the province’s health authority.
“We have consistently seen workforce growth over the past 18 months, actively recruiting health care professionals from PEI, Canada and abroad,” said Mark McLane, Minister of Health and Wellness. “From the new Physician Services Agreement to incentives for allied health care professionals, we have several tools in our toolkit to assist with recruitment efforts.”
Streamlined licensing process aids recruitment
The government streamlined the licensing process for internationally trained health care professionals in 2023, working with provincial regulators to remove barriers, according to the province.
Programs such as the Transition to Registered Nursing in Canada Program and the RN Bridging Program are making it easier for health care professionals to work in PEI, the government said.
The province said it will continue recruiting professionals across all areas of health care to strengthen access to care for residents.
