October 14 2025
On World Allied Health Professionals Day, October 14, 2025, the National Union of Public and General Employees (NUPGE) proudly acknowledges the essential contributions of allied health workers to Canada’s public healthcare system. NUPGE represents over 450,000 workers across the country, including the majority of Allied Health Professionals (AHPs) in Canada. NUPGE is calling on all levels of government to recognize this day in their own jurisdictions and reflect on the critical importance of AHPs in delivering quality healthcare to Canadians.
AHPs are often described as the “hidden heroes” of our modern healthcare system and the backbone of the team-based approach that ensures patients have access to the full range of supports required for quality care. While doctors and nurses remain fundamental to healthcare delivery, AHPs play an often overlooked but equally vital role in all phases of care. These professionals represent more than 70 disciplines and hundreds of sub-specializations, delivering preventive, diagnostic, technical, therapeutic, and support services across all stages of life and levels of care. They bring specialized expertise, education, and leadership to multidisciplinary teams, working collaboratively to improve patient outcomes.
AHPs include medical laboratory technologists, respiratory therapists, physiotherapists, occupational therapists, radiologic technologists, pharmacists, dietitians, audiologists, speech-language pathologists, and many more. Without their care and expertise, diagnoses are delayed, needed therapies go unadministered and rehabilitation is suspended. The patient needlessly suffers and the whole healthcare system is less effective.
Right now, the allied health sector is under increasing strain. Across the country, health professionals are facing severe human resource pressures, including staffing shortages, rising demand, heavy workloads, and retention challenges. Retaining highly skilled AHPs is vital for the sustainability and resiliency of our public health systems. Shortages in these professions create bottlenecks as test results, rehabilitation, and critical therapies are delayed. Modern medical care depends on these specialized workers performing their roles in a timely manner.
Recruitment is critical, especially as more workers near retirement, but without strong retention measures it will be impossible to recruit and train enough new workers to address current shortages or future gaps caused by an aging workforce. A NUPGE survey of our healthcare workers in early 2025 showed high levels of concern among healthcare workers, as theyreported increased mental health concerns and high stress, with 4 in 10 healthcare workers considering leaving public heath care within the next 3 years. The responses were alarming and highlighted the challenges faced by employers and governments to retain these highly trained workers.
In 2023, the Government of British Columbia implemented an Allied Health Strategic Plan with 57 action items, which remains in progress. NUPGE urges other provinces and territories to consider similar initiatives, including the creation of positions such as Chief Allied Health Officer to advocate directly on behalf of AHPs.
This World AHPs Day, NUPGE calls for specific attention to the needs of these highly skilled workers. While there is an overall need for a pan-Canadian health human resources plan, NUPGE advocates for comprehensive supports for these professions, including expanded training seats, professional development incentives, competitive recruitment and retention measures, and strengthened leadership roles to support system capacity and workforce stability.
To all AHPs, we extend our deepest gratitude today and every day. All workers in healthcare recognize the foundational role you play in delivering high-quality, healthcare. NUPGE reaffirms its commitment to support, defend, and strengthen the allied health workforce across Canada.