B.C. has recruited U.S. health workers, boosting staffing in Fraser Health 

March 17,2026

RED FM News Desk

The BC New Democratic Party says its campaign to recruit American healthcare workers has added hundreds of staff across the province, including 105 in the Fraser Health Authority over the past year. 

Speaking in Surrey, Health Minister Josie Osborne and Premier David Eby said the initiative has brought 414 healthcare workers to B.C. so far. 

Within Fraser Health, the new recruits include 78 nurses, three doctors, 22 nurse practitioners and two allied health professionals serving communities such as Surrey, Langley and Maple Ridge. 

However, some BC Conservative Party MLAs representing the Fraser Health region criticized the effort. Heather Maahs called it a misuse of taxpayer money, while Jody Toor questioned whether the investment was worthwhile. 

NDP MLA Garry Begg defended the program, saying the additional healthcare workers would not be in place if opposition calls to cut the initiative had been followed. 

The government says the recruitment drive is part of a broader plan that also includes training more workers, highlighted by the upcoming Simon Fraser University medical school in Surrey, set to welcome its first students in September, along with continued construction of a new hospital and cancer centre in the city.