By Alice McFarlane

B.C. doubles student seats in veterinary medicine program at USask

Apr 5, 2022 | 4:03 PM

MELFORT, Sask. — More British Columbia veterinary students will attend the Western College of Veterinary Medicine (WCVM) at the University of Saskatchewan (USask) in Saskatoon, Sask.

The B.C. government is investing nearly $10.7 million which will double the number of subsidized seats for the first time in more than a decade. B.C. Minister of Advanced Education and Skills Training Anne Kang said increasing access and affordability to veterinary medicine education helps us to address the shortage of veterinarians in B.C.

“In follow-up to our government’s commitment to address B.C.’s labour market needs, we’re investing in seat expansions so that more students receive the quality training needed to support farmers, ranchers, and families throughout the province,” Kang said.

The number of provincially subsidized B.C. students will increase from 20 to 40 in the WCVM program for the 2022/23 academic year.

The announcement is important for B.C. veterinary students because there is a big difference in tuition costs between government subsidized seats at $13,000 a year and those that are open, which run at $68,000 annually.

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At this point, it is a one-year measure but B.C. has the option to extend it to future years.

WCVM Dean Dr. Gillian Muir said there is a shortage of both small and large animal vets across the country and the increased investment enables more B.C. residents to achieve their dreams of becoming veterinarians.

“It allows the veterinary college to better serve the diverse needs of communities throughout B.C., to support the health of companion animals and livestock, and to protect food safety and animal welfare,” Muir said.

Saskatchewan, B.C., and Manitoba have been partners in the Western College of Veterinary Medicine for more than 55 years.

Alberta recently left the arrangement and is directing its money to a veterinary program at the University of Calgary.

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alice.mcfarlane@pattisonmedia.com

On Twitter: @farmnewsNOW