The Manitoba government is increasing support and renewing its agreement with the University of Saskatchewan's Western College of Veterinary Medicine that guarantees Manitobans access to training programs in veterinary medicine, Advanced Education and Training Minister Renée Cable and Agriculture Minister Ron Kostyshyn announced on May 22.
"By renewing this agreement, our government is stepping up with additional investments to train more Manitobans at the Western College of Veterinary Medicine," said Cable. "We're working with other provinces to support animal health so that our agriculture sector can continue to grow and thrive."
Through a multi-party agreement that includes the governments of Saskatchewan and British Columbia and the University of Saskatchewan, the Manitoba government will invest $8.3 million in funding support for 2025-26.
"Farmers navigating animal health issues such as avian influenza rely on the expertise of veterinarians as a necessary part of ensuring the health of livestock," said Kostyshyn. "High standards of health in veterinary medicine are key not just for the safety of animals but for our economy as well."
"We are proud of the Western College of Veterinary Medicine and the exceptional education opportunities it provides to veterinary students from across Western Canada," said Saskatchewan Advanced Education Minister Ken Cheveldayoff. "We are grateful to have this internationally recognized college right here in Saskatchewan and are fully confident in USask's ability to produce highly skilled veterinarians to care for both our livestock and companion animals."
As the premier centre of veterinary training, research and expertise in Western Canada, the Western College of Veterinary Medicine is the only Canadian veterinary medicine school that provides dedicated seats for Manitoba residents. The partnership with the internationally accredited institution ensures a continuous stream of veterinary graduates with knowledge of both animal health and public health in Manitoba communities, noted Cable, adding there is strong demand for veterinarians across the province and the partnership agreement to support training Manitobans is helping meet this need.
