US Nurses Flee Trump Era for Canada’s Healthcare & Politics | NPR
A Wave of American Nurses Cross the Border, Seeking Relief From Political and Professional Strain
Nanaimo, British Columbia – A growing number of American nurses are choosing to rebuild their careers – and their lives – in Canada, driven by concerns over U.S. Politics, healthcare policy, and a perceived decline in professional respect. The influx, particularly noticeable in British Columbia, represents a significant shift as healthcare workers seek stability and a more supportive environment north of the border.
Justin and Amy Miller, along with their three children, two dogs, and a pet bearded dragon, recently completed a 2,000-mile journey from Wisconsin to Vancouver Island. Justin now works in the emergency room at Nanaimo Regional General Hospital, joining at least 20 other U.S.-trained nurses hired since April. The Millers’ decision, like that of many others, was directly influenced by the political climate in the United States.
“Notice so many like-minded people out there,” Justin Miller said. “You aren’t trapped. You don’t have to stay. Health care workers are welcomed with open arms around the world.”
The trend reflects a broader movement of American healthcare professionals seeking opportunities in Canada. More than 1,000 U.S.-trained nurses have been approved to work in British Columbia since April, drawn by Canada’s progressive politics, universal healthcare system, and a reputation for being a welcoming society. This contrasts sharply with what many describe as increasingly authoritarian policies and cuts to public health funding in the U.S.
The shift isn’t limited to nurses. Doctors and other healthcare workers are also considering relocation. The appeal of Canada’s system is particularly strong for those disillusioned by the direction of healthcare in the U.S., including proposed changes to professional classifications and concerns about political interference.
Angela Wignall, CEO of Nurses and Nurse Practitioners of British Columbia, noted that some nurses are motivated by fears of violence and vigilantism, particularly within families that include same-sex couples. “Some of them were living in fear of the administration, and they shared a sense of relief when crossing the border,” Wignall said. “As a Canadian, it’s heartbreaking. And also a joy to welcome them.”
British Columbia has actively courted American nurses, streamlining the licensing process and launching a $5 million advertising campaign targeting healthcare workers in California, Oregon, and Washington state. Josie Osborne, the province’s health minister, stated that the province is “seizing the opportunity to attract the talent we need.”
The White House, however, downplayed the exodus, calling reports of nurses leaving for Canada “anecdotes of individuals with severe cases of Trump derangement syndrome.” A spokesperson asserted that the American healthcare workforce “continues to expand under President Trump” and that employment opportunities and pay remain superior to those in other developed nations.
Despite the White House’s claims, the reality on the ground in British Columbia is clear. Since April 2025, the British Columbia College of Nurses and Midwives has approved the licensing applications of 1,028 U.S.-trained nurses – a dramatic increase from the 112 approved in all of 2023 and 127 in 2024. Similar interest has been reported by nursing associations in Ontario and Alberta, and by the Canadian Nurses Association nationally.
Susan Fleishman, a nurse with 23 years of experience in American emergency rooms, described a growing sense of division and anger in the U.S. Healthcare system. “It felt like a step against everything I believe in,” she said. “And I didn’t feel like I belonged there anymore.”
The influx of American nurses comes at a critical time for Canada’s healthcare system, which is facing its own challenges. The country is experiencing a significant nursing shortage, with job vacancies tripling between 2018 and 2023, reaching nearly 42,000. While Canada struggles to retain its own young nurses – with 40% of those under 35 leaving the profession – the arrival of experienced American professionals offers a much-needed boost.
Tod Maffin, a content creator who helped launch a recruiting initiative, highlighted the impact even a single nurse can have in a rural community. “One new nurse in a small town, or in a midsized city like Nanaimo,” he said, “makes a difference.”
The situation underscores a complex interplay of political, professional, and personal factors driving healthcare workers to seek new opportunities across international borders. As the political landscape continues to evolve, the flow of nurses – and other healthcare professionals – between the U.S. And Canada is likely to remain a significant story.