Province renews investment into veterinary training at U of S

One of the country’s leading veterinary schools is getting another boost from the provincial government.

The Government of Saskatchewan is providing a $13.2 million investment to the Western College of Veterinary Medicine at the University of Saskatchewan for 2024-25.

This is an increase of $667,000 from last year.

"Animal health and welfare is a top priority for farms across the province," Agriculture Minister David Marit said in a government statement. "By allocating seats for students who are interested in working in rural areas, we ensure the livestock industry have access to the top-quality veterinary services they need closer to home."

The funding not only supports the quality of education the students will be receiving, but it also subsidizes 25 total seats for Saskatchewan students. This is an increase of five additional seats for students who are likely to work in rural or mixed animal practices in the province following graduation, currently, the government subsidizes 20 seats.

"We continue to see a rising demand for veterinary services in the province and they are a key support for our growing economy," Advanced Education Minister Gordon Wyant said. "This is a priority investment for Advanced Education that supports the continued implementation with five new seats, bringing the total now to 25 seats, that are available annually for Saskatchewan students." 

The WCVM isn’t just one of the leading schools in the country, it is an internationally-recognized centre for veterinary education, research and clinical expertise that is located on the University of Saskatchewan campus in Saskatoon. Based on an interprovincial agreement with three western provinces, WCVM annually accepts an allotted number of applicants from Saskatchewan, Manitoba and British Columbia. 

This designation encourages graduates to consider agriculture-focused veterinary careers across Saskatchewan’s diverse livestock industry which includes hog production.