The Canadian healthcare system, known for its dedication to accessible care, is facing an increasingly concerning challenge. As the demand for healthcare services surges, there is a critical need for more healthcare professionals to join the field. From nurses to personal support workers and mental health specialists, Canada is experiencing an unprecedented shortage of healthcare workers, putting immense strain on an already overburdened system.

Here at the Canadian College of Healthcare and Pharmaceutics we are meeting this challenge head on, helping to train the next generation of health professionals.

A Surge in Healthcare Job Vacancies

According to the Canadian Institute for Health Information, healthcare job vacancies in Canada have more than doubled since the start of the pandemic. In the 2022–2023 period alone, there were a staggering 120,140 vacant healthcare positions, signaling that the demand for healthcare professionals is far outpacing the available workforce. This gap is most acutely felt in roles that are vital to the day-to-day functioning of the healthcare system.

Personal support workers (PSWs) account for the largest portion of vacancies, with 30,800 positions unfilled, representing 25.7% of all healthcare vacancies. Registered nurses and psychiatric nurses also make up a significant portion of the shortfall, with 28,000 vacant roles, or 23.3% of the total healthcare vacancies. Moreover, mental health workers, who have been integral to addressing the increasing mental health needs of Canadians, have 21,360 unfilled positions, contributing to 17.8% of the overall vacancies.

These shortages are not just numbers—they translate to real consequences for patient care. Hospitals and healthcare facilities are struggling to maintain adequate staffing levels, leading to burnout, long wait times, and, at times, compromised patient outcomes. The situation is dire, and there is an urgent need for more individuals to consider careers in healthcare to fill these gaps.

Rural and Remote Areas Struggling to Attract Healthcare Workers

A particular area of concern is the decline in healthcare professionals in rural and remote areas. Nurse practitioners (NPs), who have historically been a crucial part of primary care in these regions, have seen a significant decrease in employment in rural and remote areas over the past decade. In 2013, 18% of NPs worked in these areas, but by 2022, that number had dropped to just 14%. While the decline for NPs is notable, pharmacists and physicians also face similar challenges in these regions. Over the same period, the share of pharmacists working in rural or remote areas dropped slightly from 11% to 10%, while the proportion of physicians remained steady.

The impact of this shift is deeply felt in rural communities, where access to healthcare is already limited. For these Canadian populations, the shortage of healthcare professionals can lead to longer wait times, reduced access to services, and potentially worsened health outcomes. Addressing this issue requires a concerted effort to encourage healthcare workers to consider relocating to underserved areas and ensuring these regions have the resources needed to retain staff.

The Aging Population and Growing Healthcare Needs

Canada’s aging population is another factor contributing to the growing demand for healthcare workers. As more Canadians age, the need for direct care services is increasing, yet the number of nurses in direct care roles is not keeping pace with this demand. In 2022, there were only 52 nurses in direct care roles per 1,000 older adults, a decline from 59 in 2013. This trend is also observed among family medicine physicians and specialists, with the numbers per 1,000 adults decreasing slightly over the same period.

The aging population, combined with a shrinking workforce in direct care roles, presents a significant challenge. With fewer healthcare professionals available to care for an older population, there is a real risk of gaps in care. To ensure that aging Canadians continue to receive the care they need, it is essential to recruit and retain more healthcare workers in direct care positions.

Long-Term Care Sector in Crisis

One of the most pressing concerns is the long-term care sector, which has seen substantial losses in the number of direct care nurses. In 2022, approximately 2,500 fewer direct care nurses were employed in long-term care compared to 2021, marking a 5.1% decline. This is on top of a general decline in the number of registered nurses (RNs) in hospitals, which fell by over 800 positions (0.6%).

The shortage of healthcare workers in long-term care facilities has serious implications for elderly patients who rely on these services for daily care and support. As the demand for long-term care increases, the loss of direct care nurses exacerbates the strain on these facilities, leading to increased workloads for remaining staff and reduced quality of care.

A Call to Action

The current state of Canada’s healthcare workforce presents a clear and urgent need for action. From the critical shortage of healthcare professionals to the burnout of those who remain in the field, the system is struggling to meet the demands of an aging population and increasing healthcare needs. There is a pressing need for more individuals to consider careers in healthcare, whether as nurses, personal support workers, mental health professionals, or in other vital roles.

Here at the Canadian College of Healthcare and Pharmaceutics we are passionate about healthcare and all the various roles that help support patients. Whether you’re a PSW, an office assistant, a nurse, or a pharmacist, we have something to help you start or further your career. Click here to see all our programs.

*All statistics are taken from the Canadian Institute for Health Information, The state of the health workforce in Canada (2022) Report