Province boosts funding for veterinary college

The provincial government announced a $667,000 increase to its funding for the Western College of Veterinary Medicine (WCVM) in Saskatoon on Friday, bringing its support for the college to just over $13 million in 2024-25.

At a media event in the unloading area at the large animal clinic, Advanced Education Minister Gordon Wyant said the province recognizes the important role of veterinary professionals, from caring for pets to livestock.

Speaking to media after the announcement, Wyant said there is a shortage of veterinarians in Saskatchewan, especially in rural areas.

“These additional investments in the college will be helpful in terms of training more veterinarians to serve in rural communities,” he said.

Wyant said along with additional money to train more veterinarians, the government has also created incentives to attract graduates into large animal practice and rural areas, including student loan forgiveness for those who work in rural areas for extended amounts of time.

While the college is located on the campus of the University of Saskatchewan, its mission is to provide veterinary professionals for Manitoba and British Columbia as well. Wyant said those provinces are part of the process when it comes to providing support for the college.

“There's certainly ongoing collaboration going now about what a new funding agreement is going to look like,” he said.

Provincial Agriculture Minister David Marit, who also attended the event, said groups representing ranchers and other livestock producers have been worried for years about the number of veterinarians practising in the province.