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By Liam Verster

87 New Professionals in IH

Interior Health bolstered through U.S. recruitment: MLA Sandhu

Mar 18, 2026 | 12:03 PM

The MLA for Vernon-Lumby said the provincial program to bring health care professionals north of the border have had positive results for the region. 

Harwinder Sandhu said the B.C. NDP’s program to bring in trained healthcare workers from the United States had resulted in 83 new health professionals being recruited and accepting offers to work for Interior Health. Those include 26 physicians, four nurse practitioners, 43 nurses and 10 allied health professionals. 

“As a long-time registered nurse, I’ve seen firsthand how critical strong staffing levels are to delivering safe, timely, and high-quality care,” Sandhu said in a release.

“That’s why our government has made it a clear priority to strengthen the health care system through sustained recruitment, targeted investments, and a long-term commitment to supporting health care workers. These efforts are producing real results bringing skilled professionals into our communities, reducing pressure on existing staff, and improving access to care for patients.”

The new health professionals brought in to work for IH were among the more than 400 individuals recruited from the U.S. through the provincial campaign.

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“In less than a year, we’ve successfully recruited hundreds of U.S. health-care professionals who are already helping strengthen B.C.’s public health-care system,” Josie Osborne, Minister of Health, stated.

“They include doctors, nurses, nurse practitioners and allied health providers who are joining teams in hospitals and communities across the province. This is just the beginning – U.S. health professionals are enthusiastic about the opportunity to work in B.C., and we will continue welcoming them and connecting them with opportunities throughout the province.”

Interior Health was among the largest benefactor of the program after Fraser Health which brought in 105 of those individuals to their practices, and Island Health which received 97 of those workers. 

The province added more than 2,750 job applications from U.S. trained healthcare professionals had been submitted as of March of 2026 under this program.

“British Columbia is not only a great place to live, it’s also a great place to work and grow your career,” Premier David Eby said in a release.

“Our public health-care system values science, respects reproductive rights and provides great care. We can’t wait to welcome more U.S.-trained doctors, nurses, nurse practitioners and allied health providers to our amazing province.