Statistics Canada study reveals significant skill underutilization among internationally educated immigrant nurses in Canada
A comprehensive Statistics Canada study released on October 22, 2025, highlights critical challenges facing immigrant women with nursing credentials in Canada’s healthcare workforce. The research reveals that while immigrant women constitute 27% of Canada’s nursing-educated population, many internationally educated nurses face substantial barriers to appropriate employment. The 2021 Census data analysis shows that only 50-72% of foreign-educated immigrant nurses work in health occupations, with significant variation across racialized population groups. Regulatory recertification difficulties and credential non-recognition contribute to this underutilization, even though Canada faced 21,000 registered nurse and 10,000 licensed practical nurse vacancies in early 2025.
Newfoundland and Labrador invited 100 candidates under NLPNP and AIP
On October 22, 2025, Newfoundland and Labrador held new rounds of selection through the Enhanced Expression of Interest (EOI) system, issuing a total of 100 invitations. Of these, 55 were sent to candidates under the Newfoundland and Labrador Provincial Nominee Program (NLPNP), while 45 went to applicants through the Atlantic Immigration Program (AIP). As of February 19, 2025, all applicants to the NLPNP and AIP must submit their applications through the new Immigration Accelerator platform. So far, the province has invited 3,046 candidates in 2025.
Northwest Territories strengthens healthcare system, attracting internationally educated health professionals
On October 22, 2025, the Northwest Territories’ Health Minister addressed the Legislative Assembly, highlighting critical initiatives to strengthen the territory’s healthcare system through provincial and territorial partnerships. The Minister emphasized ongoing work with the national Committee on Health Workforce to improve integration of internationally educated health professionals into regional health systems while streamlining registration and licensing processes for physicians and nurses across Canada. The Minister advocated for sustainable federal funding at the Federal-Provincial-Territorial Health Ministers Meeting, addressing workforce challenges, mental health services, and substance use support for Northern communities.
Canada experiences a shift in cross-border travel patterns with increased overseas visits and decreased US travel
Statistics Canada reported changes in international travel patterns for August 2025, with overseas visitor arrivals to Canada increasing 9.2% year-over-year, driven primarily by growth from European and Asian markets. In contrast, US resident trips to Canada declined 1.4%, marking the seventh consecutive month of year-over-year decreases. Canadian travel to the United States dropped significantly by 29.7%, resulting in a rare occurrence where more US residents visited Canada than Canadians travelled south. The data reflects shifting tourism dynamics, with the United Kingdom, France, and Germany leading overseas arrivals, while automobile travel between Canada and the US experienced the steepest declines at 32.6% for Canadian outbound trips.
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