Saskatchewan Agriculture Minister David Marit said there have been concerns expressed about the livestock sector.
“Today’s investment in additional student seats demonstrates our government’s commitment to addressing the shortage of veterinarians across the province,” Marit said.
Second-year WCVM veterinary student from Stoughton, Sask. and president-elect of the Western Canadian Veterinary Students’ Association Jackson Goudy said the move is a great way to increase the number of vets delivering animal health care in Saskatchewan.
“I’m really excited for the future of veterinary medicine in Saskatchewan. I think this is a great opportunity for our province, especially with the shortage of veterinarians,” Goudy said.
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The Saskatchewan Cattlemen’s Association (SCA) chair Arnold Balicki said the livestock industry is concerned about the shortage of vets, which can negatively impact animal welfare and the ability to expand.
“This announcement, coupled with the earlier announcement regarding changes to the loan forgiveness program for vets and vet techs, clearly shows the priority this government has placed on trying to address this issue,” Balicki said.
More information about the Saskatchewan Loan Forgiveness for Veterinarians and Veterinary Technologists program is available here.
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