By Alice McFarlane

Interprovincial agreement renewed for Western College of Veterinary Medicine

Sep 9, 2020 | 3:56 PM

MELFORT, Sask. – The Saskatchewan, British Columbia, and Manitoba governments have renewed their financial commitment to the Western College of Veterinary Medicine (WCVM) located in Saskatoon, Sask.

The University of Saskatchewan will receive $134 million to distribute to WCVM over the next five years.

The WCVM is the 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.

Western Canadian Students’ Veterinary Association president Alannah Friedlund said the financial stability provided by the agreement will ensure many more students will receive the training they need.

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“Most of us will stay here in the west to live and work because of the employment opportunities, but also because this is our home,” Friedlund said. “Supporting WCVM helps veterinary students achieve their dreams at this college.”

WCVM Acting Dean and former student Dr. Gillian Muir said the funding ensures uninterrupted education.

“This agreement ensures that the WCVM can continue delivering a powerful combination of veterinary education, clinical service and research,” Muir said.

This was the first time in 54 years that Alberta is not involved in funding at the college. The Alberta government announced three years ago it was not going to renew the funding agreement and would direct its money to the veterinary program at the University of Calgary.

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alice.mcfarlane@jpbg.ca

On Twitter: @AliceMcF