Surge in Quebec Doctors Applying for New Brunswick Licenses

The College of Physicians and Surgeons in New Brunswick has reported a significant increase in applications from Quebec doctors, receiving a total of 126 applications since October 1, 2023. The college has granted 24 licenses during this period, a notable rise from the usual three to four applications received monthly. This surge is largely attributed to an ongoing labour dispute in Quebec concerning the governance of physicians’ work.

The influx of Quebec doctors has positively impacted the healthcare system in New Brunswick, particularly benefiting the Vitalité Health Network, which serves Francophone communities in the northern and southeastern regions of the province. Between October 27, 2023, and January 15, 2024, the network recorded 246 expressions of interest from Quebec physicians. Of these, 82 doctors participated in interviews, leading to seven job offers being accepted.

According to Dr. Natalie Banville, Vice-President of Medical Affairs at Vitalité Health Network, the organization has successfully hired a total of 59 new physicians in 2025. With 18 departures, this marks the largest net gain of medical staff in recent years. Dr. Banville noted, “The fall of 2025 was also marked by a significant increase in requests for information from physicians established outside the province.”

As recruitment efforts continue, more interviews are anticipated in the coming weeks. The Horizon Health Network has also made strides, having recruited 131 doctors this fiscal year, achieving 66 percent of its annual recruitment target of 197 doctors by the end of March.

Local health concerns have arisen amid these recruitment efforts. Bill Hogan, health critic for the Opposition Progressive Conservatives, highlighted the critical staffing issues at the Upper River Valley Hospital, which currently has only one surgeon. “They have posted a position for a second surgeon. I think they need to have a third surgeon. Anesthesiology is a big problem. We’re short anesthesiologists right across the board in the province,” Hogan stated.

Both the Horizon and Vitalité networks have also initiated expressions of interest to explore potential locations for future clinics. A spokesperson for Vitalité explained, “This is an exploratory information-gathering exercise. Several elements remain to be defined, including regional needs, timelines, possible configurations, and the evolution of service demand.”

Horizon Health Network is in search of spaces ranging from 5,000 to 15,000 square feet and is looking to establish facilities in North Moncton and North Saint John in the near future.

As New Brunswick continues to attract medical professionals from Quebec, the efforts to bolster healthcare services may offer a solution to the pressing staffing shortages currently faced in the region. The situation remains dynamic, with ongoing developments expected in the recruitment landscape.