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Red Deer Regional Hospital Centre. (Photo credit: Red Deer Regional Health Foundation)
Dedicated Health Care Pathway

New healthcare immigration pathway paying dividends for Alberta

Aug 8, 2024 | 11:59 AM

Nearly 400 healthcare professionals have been nominated to come to Alberta since the launch of a new immigration stream.

In April 2023, the Government of Alberta says it created a Dedicated Healthcare Pathway (DHP) through the Alberta Advantage Immigration Program. Officials say it aims to make it easier for healthcare workers from other parts of the world to come to Alberta to help address labour shortages.

The government says the program saw 122 people being nominated in 2023, and in just the first half of 2024, an additional 258. Of those, more than 150 workers were said to be nominated in communities outside of Calgary and Edmonton.

Minister of Immigration and Multiculturalism Muhammad Yaseen says it is great to see numbers this strong.

“I am proud of the incredible success of the Dedicated Health Care Pathway, and very pleased to see so many experienced health professionals going to areas outside of Calgary and Edmonton,” says Yaseen. “With this program, we are increasing timely access to care for Albertans, no matter where they live.”

Provincial officials say the DHP is for healthcare professionals who have received authorization to practice in Alberta and who have a job offer within Alberta’s healthcare sector. Once an applicant is nominated, they can apply for permanent residence.

There are nine eligible professions under the DHP, including physicians, registered nurses, licensed practical nurses, nurse practitioners, physician assistants, occupational therapists, physiotherapists, clinical social workers and psychologists.

Health Minister Adriana LaGrange says the government is committed to recruiting and retaining healthcare workers by reducing barriers and improving opportunities.

“Through the Alberta Health Workforce Strategy, programs like the Dedicated Health Care Pathway provide solutions for those who come to work in health care in our province to stay and build a life here. We will continue to plan for the talent required to address Albertans’ existing and emerging health care needs,” says LaGrange.

More details on the DHP can be found on the Government of Alberta website.

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