There currently exists no post-secondary facility in Manitoba to train students in veterinarian medicine. As a result, students receive training at the Western College of Veterinary Medicine at the University of Saskatchewan. An interprovincial agreement exists which allocates 15 subsidized seats for Manitoba students.

In Manitoba – and elsewhere throughout Canada – there exists a shortage of veterinarians, particularly large animal veterinarians. An estimated 68 full time equivalent veterinarian positions remained unfilled in the province.Veterinarians play a key role in ensuring the health and wellness of livestock.

Recognizing the need to increase the number of veterinarians KAP drafted a joint letter requesting the Government of Manitoba implement a number of policy changes which would improve the current situation.

Update – September 2022

Three months after our joint letter the Government of Manitoba announced (link PDF ‘Government of Manitoba Veterinary News Release) it would increase the number of subsidized seats for Manitoba students from 15 to 20 beginning in 2023.