As of 2023, Canada had approximately 403,880 practicing nurses. Forecasts for 2024 to 2028 indicate a steady growth in the nursing workforce, reaching an estimated 429,370 by 2028. The projected annual growth rate illustrates a consistent upward trend, with a 1.31% increase from 2024 to 2025, slightly accelerating over the next few years with growth rates of 1.28% from 2025 to 2026, 1.25% from 2026 to 2027, and culminating at 1.23% from 2027 to 2028.
Future trends to watch for:
- Emerging healthcare technologies and their impact on nursing demand.
- Government healthcare policies and funding affecting recruitment and retention.
- Demographic shifts, including an aging population, influencing nursing needs.
