September 9, 2020
$134-Million Interprovincial Agreement Renewed for Western College of Veterinary Medicine
Three provincial governments announced the renewal of their financial commitment to the University of Saskatchewan’s Western College of Veterinary Medicine (WCVM) today.
The Manitoba, British Columbia and Saskatchewan governments’ agreement with the University of Saskatchewan provides over $134 million to the Western College of Veterinary Medicine (WCVM) for the next five years.
The agreement helps to ensure that Western Canada has a steady supply of veterinarians with in-depth knowledge of animal health and public health, as well as an awareness of the standards and issues facing livestock, fowl and fisheries producers, and pet owners.
“The Manitoba government is pleased to renew our commitment to training in veterinary medicine and continue our long-standing partnership that provides high-quality education and training opportunities to Manitobans and helps meet labour market demand across the province,” said Manitoba Economic Development and Training Minister Ralph Eichler. “This is an important investment in Manitoba’s agriculture sector that aligns with needs under the Manitoba Protein Advantage Strategy. We need good veterinarians in place to help us practise safe animal welfare and keep growing animal agriculture in Manitoba.”
Saskatchewan Minister of Advanced Education Tina Beaudry-Mellor said, “Ensuring that educational opportunities meet labour-market expectations is a Growth Plan priority for our government. This agreement allows Saskatchewan, and our partner provinces, to communicate admissions’ priorities so they are in step with each province’s labour-market needs.”
British Columbia Minister of Advanced Education, Skills and Training Melanie Mark said, “There is an increasing demand for veterinarians and veterinary research across Western Canada. This agreement helps us focus on equipping students from the western provinces with the expertise to return and practise in their home communities, where they are in demand.”
University of Saskatchewan Interim Provost and Vice-president Academic Melissa Just said, “The WCVM is built on collaboration, and its people and programs strengthen the University of Saskatchewan’s impact in everything from agriculture and animal health to comparative medicine and public health. We’re excited to see what it will achieve with the renewed support of its provincial partners and our university.”
The WCVM is the premier centre of veterinary education, research and expertise in Western Canada and a key member of Canada's veterinary, public health and food safety networks. The internationally accredited facility includes a veterinary medical centre, a provincial diagnostic laboratory and large-scale research facilities.
The college’s new interprovincial agreement is in place until 2025.
Find video greetings from Manitoba, British Columbia and Saskatchewan and University of Saskatchewan representatives at https://wcvm.usask.ca/ipa.php.
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