Nursing in Canada is a noble, well-paid career. There are over 300,000 registered nurses in the Great White North, but the officials predict that in the next 10 years, 191,000 job opportunities for registered nurses will emerge.
The COVID-19 pandemic showed Canada, and the rest of the world, how important nurses are. As the country recovers from the impact of the pandemic, the need for nurses in Canada has risen. While nursing schools receive many applications, it may not be enough to fill the nursing shortage.
To battle this crisis, the Canadian government encourages nurses from all over the world to go live and work in Canada.
Although there are registered nurses all over the country, working in both the private and public sectors, there are four stand-out regions in Canada where registered nurses should seriously consider immigrating to.
Making a big decision like this is never easy; that’s why we’ve set you up with the four best places to live and work in Canada as a registered nurse.
1. Nova Scotia
Nova Scotia is seeking healthcare professionals and skilled tradespeople to contribute to maintaining the province’s high standard of service and strong economy. Nurses in Nova Scotia have the potential to earn up to $93,500 per year, equivalent to an hourly wage of $45. The average salary is $38.42 per hour, but it ultimately depends on your expectations and responsibilities.
The nursing profession in Nova Scotia is set to improve even further. More than $200 million is being invested in the healthcare sector to construct new medical facilities in Halifax. Additionally, over $22 million is allocated to cover tuition fees for nurses in the continued care sector.
There is a wide range of nursing positions available in Canada, including emergency care, patient assistance, and equipment operation and monitoring. In Nova Scotia alone, there are over 457 job openings in the nursing field.
Moreover, Nova Scotia offers excellent opportunities for advancing your nursing career. The province is home to the Nova Scotia College of Nursing, which oversees the practice of more than 15,000 nurses. This ensures that the community can have confidence in the quality of nursing professionals serving the people.
2. Ontario
When you hear “Ontario,” the first thing that comes to mind is “Toronto.” While there are numerous job opportunities for nurses in the bustling city, there are also plenty of nursing positions available in the surrounding areas. In total, there are a staggering 7,996 nursing jobs up for grabs in Ontario.
If you prefer a quieter lifestyle, you have the option to live outside the city and take advantage of The Ontario Regional Immigration Pilot. This program enables skilled workers like nurses to move more efficiently to rural areas in Ontario.
While the average hourly salary in the province is $36.60, nurses in Ontario. have the potential to earn up to $51.33 per hour.
Similar to Nova Scotia, Ontario has its own regulatory body called The College of Nurses of Ontario. This organization oversees and regulates the practice of all nurses in the province, ensuring that a high standard of care is upheld.
3. New Brunswick
New Brunswick is experiencing a high demand for registered nurses, licensed practical nurses, and personal support workers. Job opportunities in these roles are available in both English and French, the official languages of the province. Attracting, supporting, and retaining these essential healthcare workers is a major priority for New Brunswick. The province is working together with various private organizations and hospitals to fill nursing vacancies.
As New Brunswick is a bilingual province, having basic knowledge of French will be beneficial if you decide to relocate to this region. On average, nurses in New Brunswick earn $35.60 per hour, but certain companies and hospitals offer rates as high as $49.13.
The need for nurses in the province existed even before the start of the pandemic. With a wide range of over 800 job opportunities available, New Brunswick’s population is spread out, and nursing positions can be found not only in the prominent coastal attraction of Saint John but also in smaller cities like Moncton, Doulhassie, and Woodstock. Each place has its own specific requirements and unique charm.
4. Manitoba
Look for nursing positions in Manitoba, and you’ll discover over 1,000 available opportunities. The average salary for a Registered Nurse in Manitoba is $37.36, but in certain cases, it can reach up to $49.85.
The Manitoba Nurses Union (MNU) is the largest healthcare union in Manitoba, representing all licensed nursing professionals. More than 95 percent of unionized nurses in the province are members of The Manitoba Nurses Union. While MNU does not govern, it provides support to nurses working in Manitoba to ensure they receive fair treatment.
5. Quebec
Nurses are also in high demand in the province of Quebec. The province is working hand in hand with work permit programs to encourage immigrants to work in Quebec as a nurse in the new year.
There are currently thousands of nursing jobs available across Canada. Salaries are extremely competitive. Below are the average annual salaries by occupation title:
| Average Annual Salaries for Nurses in Canada | |
|---|---|
| Occupation | Average Salary (CAD) |
| Nursing co-ordinators and supervisors | $86,609 – $59,963 |
| Registered nurses and registered psychiatric nurses | $75,712 – $75,680 |
| Allied primary health practitioners | $80,950 |
| Dental hygienists and therapists (dental nurse) | $39,975 |
| Licensed practical nurses | $49,837 |
| Nurse aides, orderlies, and patient service associates | $24,375 |
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