Saskatchewan is turning to its southern neighbour in a bid to attract more doctors, launching a digital recruitment campaign aimed at encouraging American physicians to relocate and practise in the province.
The campaign, developed by the provincial government in partnership with the Saskatchewan Healthcare Recruitment Agency (SHRA), targets physicians currently working in several U.S. states. It promotes the province as a destination for medical professionals seeking greater stability, competitive compensation and a better work-life balance.
“We want to showcase to Americans why Saskatchewan offers them a new direction,” Health Minister Jeremy Cockrill said in a statement Thursday. “We are committed to ensuring that physicians in Saskatchewan are well-compensated for their hard work, enjoy career fulfillment and have a positive work-life balance with a lower cost of living.”
The campaign highlights current job opportunities, upcoming webinars for interested physicians, and Saskatchewan’s streamlined licensure pathway for American Board-certified doctors who are eligible to practise in the United States.
Terri Strunk, CEO of SHRA, said the ads are tailored to resonate with U.S. physicians who may be reconsidering their options amid what the province describes as an “uncertain political climate” south of the border.
“This campaign is a bit different, designed to capture the attention o
f physicians who may be looking north for a new opportunity,” Strunk said.
The recruitment effort is focused on high-need areas including emergency medicine, anesthesiology and family practice.
Saskatchewan is also preparing to launch a more in-depth campaign featuring physicians based in Swift Current, Saskatoon and North Battleford. These testimonials, to be released this spring, will promote team-based care, career growth, and the professional and personal benefits of working in the province.
The broader "Saskatchewan is Calling" campaign will appear across provincial, national and international platforms — including in the United States.