Three provincial governments announced the renewal of their financial commitment to the University of Saskatchewan鈥檚 Western College of Veterinary Medicine (WCVM) on September 9.听
The British Columbia, Saskatchewan and Manitoba governments鈥� agreement with the University of Saskatchewan will provide more than $134 million to the WCVM for the next five years.听
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.听
鈥淓nsuring that educational opportunities meet labour-market expectations is a Growth Plan priority for our government,鈥� Saskatchewan Advanced Education Minister Tiny Beaudry- Mellor said.听鈥淭his agreement allows Saskatchewan, and our partner provinces, to communicate admissions鈥� priorities, so they are in-step with each province鈥檚 labour-market needs.鈥澨�
鈥淭he 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,鈥� said Ralph Eichler, Manitoba Minister of Economic Development and Training.听鈥淭his is an important investment in Manitoba鈥檚 agriculture sector that aligns with needs under the Manitoba Protein Advantage Strategy.听We need good veterinarians in place to help us practice safe animal welfare and keep growing animal agriculture in Manitoba.鈥澨�
鈥淭here is an increasing demand for veterinarians and veterinary research across Western Canada,鈥� British Columbia Minister of Advanced Education, Skills and Training Melanie Mark said.听鈥淭his agreement helps us focus on equipping students from the western provinces with the expertise to return and practice in their home communities, where they are in demand.鈥澨�
鈥淭he WCVM is built on collaboration, and its people and programs strengthen the University of Saskatchewan鈥檚 impact in everything from agriculture and animal health to comparative medicine and public health,鈥� University of Saskatchewan Interim Provost and Vice-president Academic Melissa Just said.听鈥淲e鈥檙e excited to see what it will achieve with the renewed support of its provincial partners and our university.鈥澨�
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.听
The college鈥檚 new interprovincial agreement is in place until 2025.听
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