October 16, 2015
Province Announces Public Consultations On Veterinary Service In Rural Manitoba Beginning Soon
– – –Rural Veterinarians Provide Essential Services: Minister Kostyshyn
Rural Manitobans interested in the care and services available through local veterinary clinics are invited to attend upcoming public forums on these issues, Agriculture, Food, and Rural Development Minister Ron Kostyshyn announced today.
“It’s true that rural veterinarians deliver essential care to countless animals including family pets, but they also protect the livestock that provide food and a livelihood for many in our province,” said Minister Kostyshyn. “These consultations will allow people who rely on these services day-to-day to share their views, which will be used for building future models of care in rural Manitoba.”
The public events are hosted by the Rural Veterinary Services Task Force and the public is encouraged to attend anytime within the time period of the consults to share thoughts and ideas about rural veterinary service. No advance registration is required. Scheduled consultations include:
• Oct. 20, Dauphin, Canway Inn and Suites, 1:30 to 7 p.m.;
• Oct. 21, Brandon, Riverbank Discovery Centre, 1:30 to 7 p.m.; and
• Oct. 22, Stonewall, South Interlake-Rockwood Agriculture Society’s Red Barn, 1:30 to 7 p.m.
After being established by the minister earlier this year, the Rural Veterinary Services Task Force met with rural veterinarians, clinics and boards across the province on the current status of veterinary services in their communities, looking to identify any opportunities for improvement.
“We in the task force look forward to hearing from all who have an interest in rural veterinary service,” said Dr. Paul Schneider, chair of the task force. “Public consultations are very important in our quest for information on the current and the future needs for this service. Our goal is to develop recommendations for sustainable veterinary services to meet the evolving needs of all rural Manitobans, so public input is key to this goal.”
Recommendations from the task force are expected in 2016, Minister Kostyshyn said. There are 145 veterinarians practicing in rural Manitoba, providing care and services for pets and livestock. An online questionnaire is available for Manitobans who are unable to attend the public consultations.
For more information or to view the online questionnaire, visit:
www.gov.mb.ca/agriculture/surveys-and-consultations/rural-veterinary-task-force.html.
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