June 4, 2015
Manitoba Government Creates New Task Force to Evaluate Rural Veterinary Services
A new three-person task force will evaluate Manitoba’s rural veterinary services, consult with stakeholders and provide recommendations to government on how to enhance this important service for livestock and pet owners, Agriculture, Food and Rural Development Minister Ron Kostyshyn announced today.
“Manitoba’s rural veterinarians provide a broad range of services and care for animals throughout the province,” said Minister Kostyshyn. “Animal health and biosecurity are priorities shared by vets and our government, so we want to ensure appropriate services and infrastructure are available. We want to hear the priorities of stakeholders and then develop a comprehensive plan for veterinary services for the future.”
The minister has appointed Dr. Paul Schneider, Bertha Russell-Langan and Merv Starzyk to the task force. Over the next six months, it will:
- hold a series of focus groups with producer associations, members of the veterinary community, the Association of Manitoba Municipalities and other stakeholders to determine focus areas for broader consultations;
- ask Manitobans for input into the future of rural veterinary services through public meetings and an online consultation;
- survey current and recently graduated veterinary students;
- review the current model of providing veterinary service in rural areas including financial statements and caseloads of each clinic;
- analyze provincial and municipal support provided for vets and veterinary clinics in the prairie provinces; and
- make recommendations to the minister on how to ensure Manitoba’s rural veterinary services remain sustainable.
“We in the task force look forward to the opportunity to meet with many Manitobans interested in veterinary services in rural Manitoba, to discuss where we are today and determine the opportunities to maintain the best services possible,” said Dr. Paul Schneider, a veterinarian from St-Pierre-Jolys. “The services required by farms and companion animals are continually evolving and we need to maintain our focus on those needs. We must also ensure rural Manitoba can continue to attract and keep the dedicated professionals who are key in providing those services.”
There are currently 145 veterinarians practicing in rural Manitoba, providing care and services for livestock and pets.
Manitoba currently has a scholarship program for veterinary students who choose to practice in a rural area for two years after graduation. Since it was established in 2003, more than 45 students have participated, resulting in over 76 years of service returned to rural communities.
The task force report and recommendations are expected in January 2016, the minister said. Additional information about public meetings and online consultations will be posted at www.gov.mb.ca/agricultureand shared at the Twitter account at www.twitter.com/MBGovAgonce details are finalized.
Manitoba’s veterinary service was last reviewed in 2007.
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