In a rapidly changing world, we are focusing on what we can control: building a stronger, fairer and more resilient Canada. Ensuring workers are empowered is essential to building a strong economy and supporting the workforce of today and tomorrow.
On March 31, the Honourable Patty Hajdu, Minister of Jobs and Families and Minister responsible for FedNor, and Member of Parliament for Thunder Bay Superior--North, announced a FedNor investment of $1.5 million to help establish the Collaborative Doctor of Veterinary Medicine Program (CDVMP) at Lakehead University, one of Canada's first veterinary programs designed for Northern and rural agricultural economies.
Provided through the Northern Ontario Development Program, this investment will allow Lakehead University to purchase the specialized laboratory and research equipment required to launch the CDVMP. This partnership initiative with the University of Guelph will train future veterinarians with the goal of addressing the shortage of veterinary professionals living and working in Northern Ontario.
Starting in 2027, students will begin their studies at Lakehead University in Thunder Bay as part of the Collaborative Doctor of Veterinary Medicine Program and complete their training at the Ontario Veterinary College at the University of Guelph. Graduates will receive a Doctor of Veterinary Medicine degree from the University of Guelph.
This joint venture will help anchor veterinary talent in the North. It will ensure sustained access to veterinary expertise to strengthen agribusiness, improve livestock health, and protect food production. The CDVMP will pave the way for increased agricultural productivity by expanding veterinary capacity and training veterinarians in biosecurity, herd management, and disease response. In partnership with Indigenous communities and businesses, the program will also deliver culturally relevant training related to livestock, food security, and economic development.
Quotes
"Northern Ontario grows stronger when local partners bring new ideas and build lasting partnerships. To build on this strength, investing in projects like this will preserve and protect key industries, while helping communities and businesses tackle today's challenges and prepare for tomorrow's economy. A resilient Northern Ontario is one that keeps building for the future and investing in talent that will benefit generations to come."
- The Honourable Patty Hajdu, Minister of Jobs and Families and Minister Responsible for FedNor, and Member of Parliament for Thunder Bay--Superior North
"We are grateful to FedNor and Minister Hajdu for this important investment, which will help bring the Collaborative Doctor of Veterinary Medicine Program to life at Lakehead University. This program represents a major step forward for Northern Ontario by helping to address long-standing veterinary shortages while supporting the growth of the agri-food sector and strengthening rural and Indigenous communities. We are proud to partner with the University of Guelph on this initiative, and together we are building a program that will train the next generation of veterinarians where they are most needed."
- Dr. Gillian Siddall, President and Vice-Chancellor, Lakehead University
"FedNor's investment is a game-changer. It empowers Lakehead to build the foundation needed to train the next generation of veterinarians from Northern Ontario to serve the communities that need them most. This support fuels an innovative program designed to close long-standing gaps in veterinary care and strengthen the health and well-being of underserved regions across the North."
- Dr. Jeffrey Wichtel, Dean, Ontario Veterinary College, University of Guelph.
Quick facts
- The funding announced on March 31 is provided through Northern Ontario Development Program (NODP), through which FedNor invests in projects led by municipalities, First Nations, and other organizations and institutions that support community economic development, diversification, job creation and self-reliant communities in Northern Ontario.
- Lakehead University is a learner-centred post-secondary institution that operates campuses in Thunder Bay and Orillia.
- Lakehead is proud host to 11 Canada Research Chairs and revolutionary facilities such as the world-renowned Paleo-DNA Laboratory and the Biorefining Research Institute.
- Lakehead also offers a blend of academic excellence and opportunity with a rich variety of social and recreational activities.
