BC NDP leader David Eby is promising to triple the province's efforts to recruit health care workers from the United States, expanding the campaign into Republican-controlled states and offering new incentives to Canadians working south of the border.
He announced the plan in Surrey Wednesday, saying more than 800 doctors, nurses, and other health care professionals from the US have accepted jobs in BC.
Asked why BC is recruiting health care workers from the US instead of focusing on retaining workers already here, BC NDP leader David Eby said the province doesn’t have to choose between the two:
— Sitka Media (@sitkamedia) September 23, 2026
“When we recruit more American health care workers... that is actually a retention… pic.twitter.com/pxxAylszwG
Asked why BC is recruiting health care workers from the US instead of focusing on retaining workers already here, Eby said the province doesn’t have to choose between the two.
“When we recruit more American health care workers... that is actually a retention strategy,” Eby said, pointing to reducing workloads and burnout. “US health care professionals are choosing BC because here they see a public system that reflects their values and puts patients first. There’s a lot more work needed to get everyone the care they deserve – we can’t afford to stop now.”
BC NDP leader David Eby says BC’s public health care system has helped attract hundreds of health care workers from the US, arguing the province’s direction is now part of the choice facing voters:
— Sitka Media (@sitkamedia) September 23, 2026
“We want to offer them stability and certainty when they make that major life… pic.twitter.com/KWnK1xV6dq
Under the plan, the recruitment campaign would be three times the size of the province’s initial effort and expand into Republican-controlled states where abortion restrictions have affected how some doctors and nurses provide reproductive care.
Eby said BC’s publicly funded health care system and protection of abortion access would be central to the expanded recruitment pitch.
BC NDP leader David Eby outlines his plan to expand the province's American healthcare worker recruitment campaign:
— Sitka Media (@sitkamedia) September 23, 2026
"Our ads will have a particular focus on reproductive health for women, because I know that's an area that doctors in red states are worried about." pic.twitter.com/UurxMAXb4T
“Donald Trump attacks Canada every day, so I certainly don’t mind poaching doctors from his country,” Eby said.
The campaign would also target Canadian health care professionals currently living and working in the US, with incentives including loan forgiveness and help with moving expenses.
Recruitment efforts would focus on areas where workers are most needed, including cancer care, emergency departments, and rural communities.
Eby is also promising more support for health care workers relocating to BC, with Health Match BC offering a free, tailored relocation process to help workers move and settle in the province.
The health care pledge comes on the first day of the provincial election campaign. British Columbians will head to the polls on October 24.
