New data from an annual MEI report indicates that burnout is targeting Saskatchewan’s young nurses.

Senior economist and Vice President of Research at the MEI, Gerard Lucyshyn says in 2024, 31 of every 100 nurses ages 35 and under left the workforce in Saskatchewan.

Lucyshyn says that ratio is concerning, but it is still below the national average of 34 nurses.

He adds that nurse burnout is a real problem in Canada, as the 2026 Canadian Nurses Survey says 22 per cent of nurses were working more than 16 hours per shift.

“They state in their numbers that 43 per cent of nurses work involuntary overtime. Ninety-five per cent experienced violence or abuse within the last year on the job, and 53 per cent are showing signs of burnout.”

Lucyshyn says Saskatchewan should look to BC for pointers, as their ratio is 26 to 100.

“The biggest thing that we see in BC is the flexibility given to nurses….whether that is a nurse can choose to work in the hospital, choose to work for a travel agency or telehealth, but they can pick.”

British Columbia also offers for shift swapping without administrative approval.

Lucyshyn says there needs to be a real focus on retention in the coming years, especially with an aging population that will need more nurses, not less.

The MEI is a Canadian, independent public policy think tank.