Health-care workers mull over moving away from Alberta at job fair

Health-care workers gathered at the BMO Centre for a job fair today, and found plenty of companies trying to get them to move out of Alberta.

About a dozen recruiters were there from other provinces and even from around the world. Companies were looking for all sorts of health-care workers, from home care aides to doctors and nurses.

The fair is aimed at professionals at all levels, from new grads to experienced workers.

Shortages of health-care workers has become widespread, with provinces competing to take on talent.

The people here say it's common for health-care workers to consider leaving Alberta.

“I'd give everything a chance, I might stay in Alberta for a little bit but maybe when I get a little experience, I could go out of the province,” said Abby Sparkes, a recent nursing grad.

Meantime, nurse Shivani Sherme was surprised that there were no Alberta recruiters at the fair.

“This is happening in Alberta but I can't see anyone from AHS or Calgary or surrounding area, no one is here to hire. don't we need nurses in Alberta?” she said.

Organizers say the need for health-care workers just keeps growing.