Cassandra Lee is preparing to relocate her household over 3,200 kilometers across the border between Canada and the United States in pursuit of enhanced “support” and “stability.” She is among over 400 healthcare professionals from the U.S. who have accepted positions in British Columbia since the province initiated a targeted recruitment drive south of the border last year.
A nurse practitioner from Kentucky, Lee had been contemplating leaving the U.S. for some time when she encountered a video on social media by Tod Maffin, a Nanaimo resident actively encouraging healthcare professionals to consider Canadian communities. Intrigued, Lee conducted research and found British Columbia to be the most feasible place for her to have her nursing license recognized.
Motivated by various factors, Lee is concerned about potential military service due to global conflicts, particularly as she is not inclined towards active duty. Additionally, her son being 2SLGBTQ+ has raised safety concerns in the U.S. following policy changes, such as the U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services recognizing only male and female sexes. The presence of Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) officers in U.S. communities has also contributed to Lee’s unease about safety.
Despite leaving behind a lucrative position and a life she has built in Kentucky, Lee believes the peace of mind and improved quality of life in British Columbia outweigh economic considerations. She acknowledges a sense of responsibility towards her patients in Kentucky but recognizes the urgent need for healthcare workers on Vancouver Island.
Feeling a level of guilt for departing from her patients, Lee understands the necessity of prioritizing her and her family’s well-being. She trusts her colleagues to provide excellent care to her American patients while she transitions to her new role in Nanaimo, where she anticipates a seamless fit for herself and her son, who share a passion for outdoor activities and the environment. Lee is set to commence her new position in mid-August.
