B.C. now has the most doctors per capita, connecting 600,000 residents with care and welcoming over 500 U.S. health professionals.
B.C. Leads Canada in Doctors per Capita
VICTORIA — British Columbia is setting new benchmarks in healthcare. The provincial government announced that B.C. now boasts the highest number of doctors per capita in Canada, thanks in large part to targeted recruitment efforts, particularly from the United States.
U.S. Health Professionals Join B.C. Workforce
Since last year, more than 500 American-trained health workers have accepted positions across the province. This includes 109 doctors, 315 nurses, 51 nurse practitioners, and over two dozen allied health professionals. These hires reflect a strategic push to fill critical gaps in B.C.’s healthcare system.
Primary Care Access Expands Rapidly
The Health Ministry reports that nearly 600,000 residents have been paired with primary care providers — either a family doctor or a nurse practitioner — since 2023. Today, more than 75 per cent of B.C. residents have a dedicated primary care provider, signalling a major improvement in access to frontline care.
High Interest in B.C. Opportunities
Recruitment campaigns appear to be paying off. Nearly 3,000 American health professionals have applied for roles in B.C. since March of last year, showing strong interest in the province’s healthcare openings.
Growing Numbers and a Bright Future
Currently, B.C. has over 15,000 physicians, averaging 271 doctors per 100,000 residents. Over half of these are family doctors, underscoring the province’s focus on accessible, community-based care. The government attributes these gains to its ongoing training programs and international recruitment strategy, which continues to strengthen B.C.’s healthcare system.
