Saskatchewan and Manitoba have seen steady growth in their nursing workforces over the past decade, though both provinces remain below some national averages, according to a new report from the Canadian Institute for Health Information.
The Nursing in Canada 2024 report reveals that Saskatchewan’s nursing supply increased by 18.3 per cent since 2015, adding more than 2,700 nurses. Manitoba has also seen growth in its nursing workforce, contributing to the ongoing efforts to improve healthcare access across the province.
Saskatchewan currently has nearly 17,500 licensed nurses, representing 1,411 nurses per 100,000 population. This rate is higher than the national average of 1,207 and is the highest per capita among Western Canadian provinces. The province ranks first in Western Canada for registered nurses and nurse practitioners per capita and second for licensed practical nurses and registered psychiatric nurses.
Manitoba’s nursing supply, while growing, remains below Saskatchewan’s per capita levels but aligns more closely with national averages.
Both provinces continue to face challenges in rural and remote healthcare access, prompting targeted recruitment and retention initiatives, according to the report.
Health experts highlight that ongoing workforce stability, infrastructure investment, and training remain crucial to meeting healthcare demands in both provinces.
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