Sask. spent $235K trying to recruit U.S. doctors — did it work?

Dr. Tin-Wing Yen, an obstetrician and gynecologist in North Battleford, in a video campaign to recruit doctors. (Source: Government of Saskatchewan)

Three American doctors have signed job offers in Saskatchewan, following two recruitment campaigns costing nearly a quarter of a million dollars.

The first campaign ran from April 9 to May 6 and cost $60,000. It targeted anesthesiologists, emergency physicians, and family doctors in the U.S.

The second campaign ran from May 26 to July 29, and cost $175,000. It targeted mid-career physicians in Canada and the U.S.

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The campaigns featured videos and social media ads promoting Saskatchewan’s lifestyle and stability.

“More security and less drama. Join us in Saskatchewan!” one ad reads.

NDP MLA Meara Conway criticized the results during Wednesday’s legislative session.

“The health authority has signed three offers of employment, and it’s not even clear that they’re working in Saskatchewan yet,” Conway said.

“Why is the premier failing to recruit desperately needed health care workers to Saskatchewan?”

Health Minister Jeremy Cockrill defended the recruitment results. In addition to the three contracts, 15 American physicians are at various stages of recruitment.

“To spend $70,000 and recruit three new physicians to the province? I’d say that’s pretty good return. I’ll tell you, to train three doctors in the province and do residencies — it costs more than $70,000,” Cockrill told journalists.

The Saskatchewan Healthcare Recruitment Agency later confirmed the correct campaign cost was $60,000.

Are three doctors a good result?

Rohini Patel, a recruiter with CanAm Physician Recruiting, has placed 29 doctors in Canadian healthcare over the past year.

“I would say three is not a good number,” Patel said.

“I don’t think it’s a strong result, but factors depend on where they were coming from, what the role is — is it a family physician, a specialist? What specialist is it?”

Patel said Saskatchewan needs stronger incentives to attract doctors, pointing to Alberta’s move to fast-track licensing. The province now allows physicians from certain countries to skip some assessments and move more quickly to full licensure.

Shift to U.K. and Ireland

In 2025, the province spent $156,000 on physician recruitment in the U.K. and Ireland, including advertising and four events.

The Saskatchewan Healthcare Recruitment Agency partnered with Irish influencer Jamie Harkin, who has since made his home in Canada.

The Ministry of Health said three doctors in the U.K. and Ireland have received job offers, with 45 more at various stages of recruitment.

“We think there’s greater opportunity on the UK and the Ireland side,” Cockrill said.

“We recently completed recruitment of a physician to Prince Albert, I believe from Ireland. I don’t know if he’s landed and is working yet, but we recently got him to sign on the dotted line, and we’re really excited about that recruitment.”

Recruiters are scheduled to attend career fairs and host meet-and-greets in Dublin, Manchester and London this May.