In Newfoundland and Labrador, the town of Gander is offering a signing bonus of $80,000, plus covering relocation costs, to attract a family physician. The incentive, announced in January, underscores a growing competition among Canadian communities struggling to recruit doctors, as approximately 25% of the Canadian population currently lacks a family doctor.
The shortage isn’t uniform across the country. According to data released by Job Bank Canada on January 28, 2026, the highest concentration of available family physician positions are currently in Ontario (40 postings), followed by Alberta (58) and British Columbia (31). Manitoba, New Brunswick, Newfoundland and Labrador, and Saskatchewan all have fewer than 20 postings each. The Northwest Territories currently lists 16 open positions.
Recruitment firms are increasingly involved in addressing the shortfall. Physicians for You, a Canadian medical recruitment company based in British Columbia, reports a surge in demand from clinics and hospitals. The firm offers end-to-end recruitment services, assisting with immigration, licensing, and relocation. According to the company’s website, Canada is 7.7% less expensive than the United Kingdom, a factor they highlight when recruiting internationally.
International Physician Recruitment for Canada (CAN Pathways) focuses on ethically recruiting practice-ready physicians from approved jurisdictions. They partner with provincial health authorities to address critical shortages, offering support with licensing, immigration, and relocation. CAN Pathways specifically targets General Practitioners and Family Physicians, providing flexible hiring options including full-time, locum, and shared practice arrangements.
The competition for physicians extends beyond financial incentives. Clinics are also emphasizing lifestyle benefits and community integration to attract candidates. CAN Pathways assists with travel, housing, and local orientation to facilitate a smooth transition for recruited physicians. Indeed.ca currently lists 743 Family Medicine Physician jobs available across Canada.
The CanadianSME Awards recently nominated Physicians for You for “Fastest Growing Company of the Year” and its CEO, Phil Martin, for “Immigrant Entrepreneur of the Year,” reflecting the increased activity in the medical recruitment sector.
As of February 22, 2026, the College of Physicians and Surgeons of Alberta (CPSA) remains a key component of the licensing navigation process facilitated by recruitment firms like CAN Pathways.
