Tod Maffin organized Nanaimo's second annual recruitment event for U.S. healthcare workers, drawing 600 registrants. Last year's first event led to about 150 American hires at Island Health. The model has now spawned 43 chapters across Canada.
There was a sea of Americans at Maffeo Sutton Park as part of their visit to Nanaimo this weekend. Many have responded to Nanaimo resident Tod Maffin's invite to visit the city and for healthcare workers to consider getting a job and moving here.
The people here are so kind and welcoming and forgiving of the cloud that we live under right now, that how can we not want to come?
I decided to come because I have a trans kid and I'm looking for a place A place where we can feel more safe and also, uh, nurse.
Island Health, Vancouver Island's largest employer, has 25 people here trying to recruit healthcare workers after last year's successful infusion event.
Last year we saw an uptick of roughly 150 new hires into the organization that are U.S. hires.
Island Health says it has vacancies it's trying to fill across Vancouver Island from doctors to physiotherapists to electricians. Yesterday, an open house at Nanaimo Regional General Hospital drew nearly 100 U.S. healthcare workers. Today, multiple organizations have info for those thinking about the move to Vancouver Island.
I just want to thank Tod and Jocelyn for all the work that they've done and for the community that they've built. He's famous when he walks in. Everybody wants a hug from Tod, and they want to meet who he is and see the partnerships he's created. It's truly wonderful.
And others are also recruiting. Corinne Blackmore is here trying to recruit a family primary care physician and two nurse practitioners to Elevate Medical Clinic in Campbell River.
I'm so excited about what Tod Maffin is doing and, you know, creating an awareness around the healthcare crisis and how Canada is the best place to be, and Campbell River especially.
Maffin says he's blown away by the turnout. Some 600 Americans registered. And the success of last year's infusion event inviting American healthcare workers to visit is spreading.
That became a national movement. There are now 43 chapters across the country that are using the Nanaimo template, and they are recruiting people in their own communities. In Canada, it doesn't matter to us where you come from, where your family is from, who you worship, who you love, how many trans kids you have. We're grateful that you're here, and you are welcome in our country.
The event has also drawn politicians including Nanaimo-Ladysmith MP Tamara Cronus and Premier David Eby along with 4 MPs including B.C.'s health minister.
This is obviously a hard time between our countries right now. This is not a fight between Americans and Canadians. This is a political issue and this too will pass. And what will help us get through to the other side is events like this. This is so inspiring to see you here.
And everyone gets together for a picture taken with a drone. Nanaimo's second annual infusion closing out in song.
Ten times Canada helped the U.S. with its wildfires, instead of whining about the smoke. 
