Sask. launching campaign to recruit U.S. doctors in 'uncertain political climate'

Saskatchewan is hoping to capitalize on the "uncertain political climate in the United States" and recruit doctors from south of the border.

The provincial government said Wednesday it will partner with the Saskatchewan Healthcare Recruitment Agency to launch the "Saskatchewan is calling" campaign this spring. 

It will target several unspecified states through digital advertisements highlighting the benefits of working in Saskatchewan, according to the provincial government.

That includes competitive compensation, lower cost of living and a better work-life balance.

"We see an opportunity to attract some of these people to come home, practise in Saskatchewan, or even if they're not from Saskatchewan, come and practise in a place where there are, I'd say, some pretty aggressive incentives and some good opportunities," Health Minister Jeremy Cockrill said after question period at the legislature on Wednesday. 

The province is looking to recruit doctors "from anywhere," said Cockrill, but this campaign came after the Saskatchewan Health Authority and the provincial recruitment agency started getting more inquiries from American doctors over the past year. 

The province says the new campaign will also highlight the stability doctors and their families can experience in Saskatchewan, in comparison to the "uncertain political climate in the United States." 

"Saskatchewan offers one of the quickest pathways to medical licensure for physicians who have American Board certification and have, or are eligible to obtain, a full license in the United States," said Terri Strunk, the recruitment agency's CEO.

"We regularly showcase our opportunities in the United States, but this campaign is a bit different, designed to capture the attention of physicians who may be looking north for a new opportunity."

The campaign will focus on recruiting emergency medicine doctors, anesthesiologists and family doctors.

The Opposition was quick to slam the Saskatchewan Party government's new campaign. 

NDP health critic Vicki Mowat said recruitment of American doctors is a good idea, but there are already "internationally educated physicians in Saskatchewan right now who are trying to work in the system and haven't been able to find a pathway to do that."

She believes sentiments in the United States could help drive people to work in Saskatchewan. 

However, she maintains more will be needed from the provincial government to improve health care. 

"We have the longest hospital waits and longest surgery waits in Canada because the Sask. Party is driving doctors and nurses out of the province," Mowat said.