A collective of traveling nurses have reported facing payment delays and lack of communication from the staffing agency they are contracted with. Shalu, an ER nurse working at the Parkland Integrated Health Centre in Shellbrook, Saskatchewan, revealed her concerns in an interview with CBC. She highlighted her employment with EZCare, an agency based in Ontario, which she joined in April for a temporary contract that was later extended until October. Despite having previous positive experiences with the agency, Shalu and approximately 20 other nurses were informed about payment delays due to an alleged “agency transition” in July.
Following this notification, no further updates were provided, and the promised transition did not materialize. As a result, payments to Shalu and other affected nurses ceased, leaving Shalu owed around $50,000 for services rendered between June and August. CBC News verified this by reviewing her bank statements, confirming the lack of payment.
Expressing her frustration, Shalu emphasized the financial strain caused by the non-payment, impacting her ability to meet living expenses. Efforts to contact EZCare were unsuccessful, with the agency remaining unresponsive to inquiries from the affected nurses.
In a broader context, the Saskatchewan Health Authority (SHA) spent $75.8 million on travel nurses in the 2024-2025 fiscal year, as per Saskatchewan’s provincial auditor. Shalu disclosed her payment structure, detailing her hourly rate, overtime compensation, and daily allowances for meals and travel expenses. She underscored the distress felt by nurses facing financial uncertainties, especially those supporting families and managing various financial obligations.
The group of affected nurses, including Esther Naigaga, attempted to engage with multiple stakeholders, including the agency, legal professionals, and government entities, seeking resolution without success. Naigaga echoed Shalu’s sentiments, emphasizing the adverse impact on patient care resulting from the staffing disruptions caused by the payment issues.
Addressing the employment status of travel nurses, Shalu highlighted their classification as independent contractors, limiting their recourse in such situations. David Camfield, a labor studies and sociology professor, raised concerns about the reliance on staffing agencies within the healthcare system, emphasizing the need for stable employment opportunities for healthcare professionals.
Despite the challenges faced, Shalu and Naigaga have resumed work through an alternative agency, with hopes that the SHA can facilitate the resolution of their outstanding payments. The situation underscores broader issues within the healthcare system regarding employment practices and the reliance on external agencies for staffing needs.
