We will welcome you: B.C. to fast-track hiring of U.S. doctors and nurses [Video]

Doctors and nurses in the United States: British Columbia wants to hire you.

That’s the “clear message” B.C. Health Minister Josie Osborne delivered Tuesday, as she said the province will fast-track the recognition of American health-care workers’ credentials.

“Now is the time to come to B.C. We will welcome you to our beautiful province,” Osborne said.

The province is also launching a targeted recruitment campaign in Washington, Oregon and California as it seeks to woo disaffected health-care workers amid turbulence south of the border.

“Over the last few weeks, we have seen more U.S. doctors and nurses expressing interest to come here in Canada to work, and with the uncertainty and chaos that’s happening down south of the border, it certainly doesn’t come as a surprise,” Osborne said.

“Whether it’s because their federal government is withdrawing from the World Health Organization, cutting public services or attacking reproductive rights, health professionals …