The province has allocated $21 million to secure preferred admission for New Brunswick students in health programs at Dalhousie University, with no post-graduation employment location requirements. This initiative covers 57 seats in various programs, including pharmacy, physiotherapy, occupational therapy, and dentistry.
Health Minister John Dornan stated that the agreement with Nova Scotia aims to address the shortage in New Brunswick’s current labor supply. He emphasized the lengthy wait times for accessing physiotherapy or occupational therapy services in the public system, pointing out the immediate need for additional healthcare professionals.
Jean-Claude D’Amours, the minister of post-secondary education, training, and labor, expressed hope that the proximity of Dalhousie University would encourage graduates to seek employment opportunities in New Brunswick, although it is not mandatory.
Dornan mentioned the possibility of reassessing the approach if needed, indicating that the province would monitor the return rate of graduates. The recent announcement of funding for a new 12-seat physiotherapy program at Université de Moncton reflects the province’s proactive approach to addressing the growing demand for healthcare professionals in New Brunswick.
With projections indicating a need for over 200 physiotherapists in the next decade due to retirements and increasing demand, these initiatives are crucial for meeting the healthcare workforce requirements in the region.