Why Alberta Is Recruiting So Many GPs Right Now

Canada has long faced a shortage of family doctors, but in recent years the demand for GPs in Alberta has grown significantly. 

Cities such as Calgary and Edmonton, alongside smaller rural communities, are actively recruiting international medical professionals to help meet rising demand from patients. For UK-trained doctors considering a move abroad, this has created major opportunities for GP jobs in Calgary and across Canada.

At Advantage Medical Staffing, we’ve seen first-hand how interest in doctor jobs in Canada has increased among British GPs looking for a better work-life balance, improved earning potential and a fresh start. As a doctor-led recruitment agency, we understand both sides of the process because our founders have experienced the move themselves.

In this guide, we’ll look at why Alberta is recruiting so many GPs right now, what this means for international doctors and why Calgary continues to attract healthcare professionals from the UK and beyond.

Why Is There a GP Shortage in Alberta?

Like many healthcare systems around the world, Canada is dealing with growing pressure on their primary care services. Alberta in particular has experienced a rapid boom in its population. Consequently, there’s an increasing demand for family physicians and ongoing recruitment challenges in some areas.

A number of factors are contributing to the shortage:

• Population growth in cities such as Calgary
• An ageing population requiring more complex care
• GPs retiring
• Increased pressure on existing family doctors
• Expanding suburban communities needing new clinics
• More patients without access to a regular GP

As a result, many clinics and healthcare providers are actively looking for qualified family physicians, including international candidates with experience in systems such as the NHS.

This is one reason why GP jobs in Canada remain highly sought after and why Alberta continues to be one of the most attractive provinces for international doctors.

Why Calgary Is Particularly Attractive for GPs

When doctors begin researching GP jobs in Calgary, they’re often surprised by the combination of professional opportunities and lifestyle benefits the city offers.

Calgary has become one of the fastest-growing cities in Canada, with a strong economy, excellent infrastructure and a high standard of living. For GPs, that means more patients and a wide range of clinic opportunities.

Compared to Toronto or Vancouver, Calgary is often viewed as more affordable, particularly when it comes to housing. Many British doctors relocating to Canada are looking for more space, shorter commute times and greater work-life balance, all of which Calgary can provide.

The city also offers:

• Access to modern medical facilities
• High demand for family physicians
• Competitive earning potential
• Access to outdoor activities and nature
• Family-friendly neighbourhoods
• Strong international communities

At Advantage Medical Staffing, we regularly speak with doctors who originally focused on GP jobs in Toronto but later decide that Calgary better suits their long-term lifestyle goals.

Are International Doctors Needed in Alberta?

Yes. International medical graduates and UK-trained GPs are playing an increasingly important role in helping Alberta meet demands for quality healthcare. 

Canada’s healthcare system varies by province, and Alberta has introduced several pathways aimed at attracting experienced doctors from overseas. While licensing and immigration processes still need to be completed, many clinics are open to hiring international physicians and supporting relocation.

This is especially true in areas where demand for patients is highest.

At Advantage Medical Staffing, we help doctors navigate every stage of the process, including:

• Finding suitable GP jobs in Canada
• Understanding licensing requirements
• Preparing documentation
• Relocation guidance
• Interview preparation
• Connecting with clinics and healthcare employers

Because we are for doctors, by doctors, we understand the practical and emotional side of relocating internationally. Our founders, Dr Rowen Fernando and Shilpa Fernando, relocated from the UK to Canada themselves in 2015, so the support we provide is based on lived experience, not just recruitment knowledge.

How Much Can GPs Earn in Alberta?

One of the biggest reasons doctors explore the idea of working in Canada is earning potential.

GP income in Alberta can vary depending on location, volume of patients, clinic structure and whether the role is urban or rural. However, many family physicians in Alberta earn significantly more than they would in comparable NHS roles.

Calgary in particular offers strong earning opportunities alongside a relatively lower cost of living than some other major Canadian cities.

For many UK-trained doctors, the appeal is not just higher earnings, but greater flexibility and autonomy over how they practise medicine.

Many clinics operate under fee-for-service models, meaning earnings can reflect workload and patient demand. Some doctors also appreciate having more control over scheduling and work patterns.

At Advantage Medical Staffing, we help doctors understand the realities behind the figures for salaries, including clinic splits, overheads and expected patient numbers, so they can make informed decisions about relocating.

Why More UK GPs Are Looking at Canada

In recent years, we’ve seen a clear increase in enquiries from British doctors interested in GP jobs Canada-wide. There are several reasons behind this trend:

Better Work-Life Balance

Many doctors are seeking more manageable workloads and greater flexibility in their careers, especially compared to working in the USA.

Competitive Salaries

Medical roles in Canada often offer significantly higher earning potential compared to equivalent roles in the UK.

The Many Lifestyle Benefits

Canada consistently ranks as one of the best countries for quality of life, the outdoor lifestyle and family-friendly living.

Career Opportunities

There is strong demand across multiple provinces, particularly for family physicians and primary care doctors.

Supportive Clinics

Many clinics actively support international doctors throughout the onboarding and relocation process.

At Advantage Medical Staffing, we work closely with doctors looking for permanent and locum opportunities in Canada, the UK, Australia and beyond. Our aim is not simply to fill vacancies, but to help medical professionals find the right fit for their career and personal life.

What Does Advantage Medical Staffing Do?

We are a doctor-led medical recruitment agency specialising in connecting healthcare professionals with opportunities around the world.

Our team supports medical, dental and veterinary professionals seeking permanent or locum positions across Canada, the UK, the US and other international destinations.

What makes us different is our personal understanding of relocation.

Our founder, Dr Rowen Fernando, has more than 20 years of clinical experience and understands the challenges doctors face when moving internationally. Alongside co-founder Shilpa Fernando, who also relocated from the UK to Canada, Advantage Medical Staffing was built to make the process simpler and more supportive for others.

We assist with:

• Recruiting GPs and other medical professionals in Canada
• Helping international doctors relocate
• Licensing guidance
• Compliance support
• Preparing for interviews
• Connecting doctors with reputable clinics
• Ongoing support throughout the process

For doctors, by doctors is more than a slogan for us. It reflects the way we work and the experience we bring to every placement.

Is Now a Good Time to Apply for GP Jobs in Calgary?

For many international doctors, the answer is a resounding yes.

Demand for family physicians in Alberta remains high, and clinics continue to recruit experienced GPs from overseas. Calgary in particular offers a strong combination of professional opportunities, earning potential and lifestyle benefits.

While the licensing and relocation process does require planning, many doctors find that starting early and working with a specialist medical recruitment agency makes the transition far smoother.

At Advantage Medical Staffing, we continue to support doctors exploring GP jobs in Calgary, GP jobs in Toronto and wider doctor jobs in Canada. Whether you are actively ready to relocate or simply researching your options, our team is here to help guide you through the process with practical advice and first-hand insight.

Check out our latest roles or contact our team for more information.