BC Conservatives oppose initiative to hire healthcare workers from the US

June 25,2025

RED FM News Desk

Josie Osborne, B.C.’s Minister of Health, stated that the province is dealing with a global shortage of healthcare workers and must do everything possible to train and recruit more staff—including exploring creative solutions like the current initiative. However, despite this widespread shortage, BC Conservative leader John Rustad and his caucus are opposing the BC NDP government’s efforts to attract healthcare professionals from the United States. 

As part of the campaign, the BC NDP recently focused on  Seattle, where they offered free coffee to healthcare workers in an effort to start conversations about relocating to B.C. The program has drawn criticism from BC Conservative MLAs. 

Chilliwack North MLA Heather Maahs responded sharply, saying, “I actually thought this was fake news. Or a spam account, or a troll. I’m dumbfounded. Free coffee! Yay, let’s move to BC. What an irresponsible, reckless, idiotic, waste of taxpayers’ money.” 

Prince George-Valemount MLA Rosalyn Bird criticized the initiative on X, writing: “B.C. fired thousands of healthcare workers over mandates—now they’ve rolled into the U.S. with a food truck to recruit replacements… Rehire local workers.” 

Other BC Conservative MLAs have echoed the criticism. Kelowna-Mission MLA Gavin Dew, Kelowna Centre MLA Kristina Loewen, and Langley-Abbotsford MLA Harman Bhangu called the campaign “idiotic,” “a waste of money,” and “embarrassing.” 

Despite the backlash, the BC NDP government defends the recruitment drive, claiming it is already delivering positive results. According to the government, 1,600 people have expressed interest in relocating to B.C., including 714 doctors and 554 nurses. The province also says its streamlined credential recognition process now allows nurses to become registered within days instead of months. 

Health Minister Josie Osborne argued that the BC Conservatives’ plan for a “Trump-style, for-profit healthcare system” would only make it harder to attract and retain healthcare workers needed to support B.C.’s public system. 

B.C. launched a $5 million, six-week advertising campaign targeting healthcare professionals in Washington, Oregon, and parts of California. The ads are placed in various locations, including digital screens near healthcare facilities, medical trade publications, social media, and podcasts.