More veterinary students will be accepted at the Western College of Veterinary Medicine on the USask campus as of the next school year, in 2023-24.
The province is increasing the number of subsidized student seats from 20 to 25 and the Manitoba government is funding five more.
Agriculture Minister David Marit says the investment in additional student seats demonstrates the provincial government’s commitment to addressing the shortage of veterinarians across the province.
He believes this initiative, along with the expansion of the Saskatchewan Loan Forgiveness for Veterinarians and Veterinary Technologists, will ensure that ranchers have access to the veterinary experts they need.
In total over four years, beginning in the next fiscal year, the Saskatchewan government’s funding for the seats will reach $2.2-million.
A news release from the provincial government says the WCVM is an internationally-recognized centre for veterinary education, research and clinical expertise.