A previous motion put forward by Camrose MLA Jackie Lovely has led to investment in expanding the rural veterinarian program at the University of Calgary.
On Nov. 29, 2021, MLA Lovely brought forward Motion 524.
“Be it resolved that the Legislative Assembly urge the government to recognize the important work of rural veterinarians and explore ways to increase the number of veterinarians serving rural communities,” the motion read.
Finance Minister Travis Toews tabled the budget with $59 million allocated to expand the U of C’s Faculty of Veterinarian Medicine.
There are 864 veterinarian vacancies across Alberta, or 17 per cent, with Rural Alberta feeling the brunt of that shortage, said Lovely.
The U of C, the only facility in the province that trains veterinarians, accepts only 50 students per year. The school also faces competition from students in B.C. as that province doesn’t have a veterinary medicine school.
The investment in the UCVM by the Alberta government will be over three years and aims to double the amount of students it can admit to the program.
“Having more students graduate from the program is a great step in addressing the shortage,” said Lovely. “People have asked how an MLA can help influence government policy. This is an example of how an issue was brought to my attention then an ask made to the minister and his team to look into this critical issue, not just in our riding, but for all of rural Alberta.”