Canada Faces Growing Nursing Shortage Crisis
New data shows over 30 percent of nurses under 35 are leaving the profession as vacancies triple since 2016.
Updated on Oct. 21, 2026 in Nursing Jobs
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Canada recorded 27,139 nursing vacancies in 2025, a figure that is triple the number reported in 2016. Furthermore, more than 30 percent of Canadian nurses are now choosing to leave the profession before reaching the age of 35.
Why it matters
The exodus of younger professionals and a massive increase in vacancies present a significant challenge to the stability of health-care systems nationwide. High rates of workplace violence and burnout are central factors driving these departures.
Canada reported 27,139 nursing vacancies in 2025, marking a tripling of the 2016 figure. In 2024, provincial retention struggles were highlighted by Newfoundland, which recorded 61 departures for every 100 new hires.
The details
Surveys indicate that 95 percent of nurses experienced workplace violence or harassment in the past year, while 53 percent show signs of burnout. Additionally, 22 percent of nurses reported working shifts of 16 hours or longer within the last six months.
Timeline
2016: The year used for nurse vacancy comparisons.
2024: The data collection period for provincial nurse retention rates.
2025: Total national nursing vacancies recorded.
Market Landscape
The current nursing shortage is not a temporary fluctuation but a structural acceleration of the workforce volatility observed since 2016. This ongoing trend complicates provincial efforts to stabilize staffing levels as competition for medical talent intensifies across the country.
Persistent staffing shortages may lead to longer wait times and reduced access to care in local health-care centres. Patients may increasingly experience the impacts of workforce instability through limited service availability in their communities.
The takeaway
Addressing the high prevalence of workplace harassment and long shift hours is critical to improving nurse retention. Creating safer and more sustainable working environments is essential for retaining younger professionals in the health-care field.
Further reading
For additional context on the workforce crisis, visit the Nursing Jobs section.
Source note: This article includes information reported by Theepochtimes.
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