New Brunswick Invests $21 Million in Health Program Seats at Dalhousie University
New Brunswick has committed $21 million to secure 57 reserved spots in various health programs at Dalhousie University, including pharmacy, physiotherapy, occupational therapy, and dentistry. The agreement with Nova Scotia aims to address the shortage of healthcare professionals in New Brunswick.
Health Minister John Dornan highlighted the lengthy wait times for physiotherapy and occupational therapy services in the public system, emphasizing the need for immediate action. He mentioned that there are currently five unfilled physiotherapist positions at the Saint John Regional Hospital.
Minister of Post-Secondary Education, Training, and Labor Jean-Claude D’Amours expressed hope that the proximity of Dalhousie University would encourage graduates to seek employment in New Brunswick, although there is no mandatory requirement to do so. D’Amours emphasized the province’s commitment to supporting and retaining students post-graduation.
Dornan stated that the government would monitor the situation closely and reassess if necessary, ensuring that efforts are made to attract graduates back to New Brunswick. Additionally, the province recently announced funding for a new 12-seat physiotherapy program at the Université de Moncton to address the growing demand for healthcare professionals in the region.
According to the province’s labor market forecast, New Brunswick anticipates a need for over 200 physiotherapists in the next decade due to increasing retirements and healthcare demands.
