The Ontario government has revealed that it is investing more than $15 million to help address veterinary shortages in rural and northern communities, making it easier for farmers and large animal owners to access veterinary care when and where they need it.
In a release, the government said the funding will be used to establish a new Collaborative Doctor of Veterinary Medicine program with the University of Guelph and Lakehead University to train more veterinarians. The government added that it is also providing grants to new veterinary graduates as an incentive to work in underserviced areas in the province.
Lisa Thompson, Minister of Agriculture, Food and Rural Affairs said “Access to veterinary care for farmers and animal owners across the province is critical to ensuring a safe and stable agri-food system,”
“Our government has listened and is taking direct and immediate action to ensure Ontario farmers in rural and Northern Ontario have the resources they need to succeed for years to come.”
The government stated that as announced in Ontario’s 2023 Budget, Building a Strong Ontario, the new Collaborative Doctor of Veterinary Medicine (DVM) program with the University of Guelph and Lakehead University will enrol an additional 20 veterinary students per year, resulting in up to 80 new Doctor of Veterinary Medicine seats in total by 2028.
Leveraging the existing University of Guelph Doctor of Veterinary Medicine curriculum, the new DVM program will focus on the recruitment of students from northern, rural and Indigenous communities, the government said.
“Our government knows supporting in-demand sectors like this starts with addressing labour shortages head-on, and together with our postsecondary institutions, this collaborative new Doctor of Veterinary Medicine program will do just that,” said Jill Dunlop, Minister of Colleges and Universities.
“This is a historic investment that will help more students get the training and education they need for rewarding careers in veterinary medicine while supporting local labour needs, keeping animals in every corner of the province healthy and supporting the economic growth of local communities.”
The government is also launching the Veterinary Incentive Program to encourage recent veterinary graduates to practice in underserviced and northern communities. This $900,000 investment over three years will provide program participants with annual grants totaling up to $50,000 conditional on the participant continuing to practice on large animals in these communities.
“Farmers and large animal owners should be able to access veterinary care when and where they need it,” said Peter Bethlenfalvy, Minister of Finance. “Ontario’s 2023 Budget: Building a Strong Ontario is the right plan to provide better services and support people and businesses today while laying a strong fiscal foundation for future generations.”
Praising itself, the Ontario government said its 2023 budget, Building a Strong Ontario, is helping to drive economic growth, attract jobs and investments, and build key infrastructure projects faster.
The government’s plan is also training skilled workers to fill in-demand jobs, keeping costs down for those who need it the most, and providing better services for the people of Ontario.
Minister of Northern Development and Minister of Indigenous Affairs, Greg Rickford said “Our government is taking action to ensure we have the veterinary human-resources available to keep up with demand and growth across the province,”
“By investing in this unique partnership between the University of Guelph and Lakehead University, we are confirming our support for veterinary services and food security across the North and giving agri-food producers the confidence they need to expand operations.”
