Heather O’Dell decided to leave the United States and move to Nova Scotia in response to the re-election talks of Donald Trump. Concerned about the direction of the country and her safety as a trans-identifying person, she feared potential changes in government policies affecting her identity documents. After Trump’s election victory, O’Dell, a newly qualified registered nurse in Vermont, swiftly applied for a nursing license in Nova Scotia and relocated to Halifax. Commencing her role as a cardiovascular intensive care nurse on January 1, 2025, without visiting beforehand, she found the move to be an obvious choice.
O’Dell is part of a growing trend of American healthcare professionals migrating to Nova Scotia seeking a more inclusive environment. Nova Scotia Health reported a notable increase, with 50 American healthcare workers hired in the past fiscal year, up from 31 in 2024.
Among these individuals are Steve and Matt Ortiz, experienced nurses from Orlando, Florida, who chose to move to Canada due to concerns over the anti-2SLGBTQ+ environment in Florida following Trump’s election. Despite initial challenges securing nursing positions in Alberta, they successfully found roles at Aberdeen Hospital in New Glasgow, Nova Scotia. The Ortizes, accompanied by their 45-kilogram dog, expressed a significant decrease in stress levels since relocating and are now considering Nova Scotia as their permanent home.
A volunteer-led initiative, initiated by Tod Maffin, a former CBC radio host, aims to assist more American healthcare workers in transitioning to Canada. The initiative, “Canada’s Healthcare Infusions,” provides resources and information to support healthcare professionals seeking to move, with several chapters established across different regions, including Nova Scotia.
Heather O’Dell, now residing in Nova Scotia, feels affirmed in her decision to relocate and is actively assisting others interested in making the move. She encourages gender-diverse individuals to consider Nova Scotia as a welcoming destination.
