ADVOCACY WIN: Growing Alberta’s veterinary workforce

Alberta Municipalities members passed a resolution in 2022 calling for the Government of Alberta to take action to help alleviate the veterinarian shortage crisis. The resolution addressed a critical shortage of veterinarians and veterinary technologists in Alberta’s small and mid-sized urban municipalities, which also serve surrounding rural areas. It highlighted the economic and community importance of veterinary medicine and the growing demand for services due to increased pet ownership and livestock numbers. 

Alberta Municipalities called on the Government of Alberta to support the University of Calgary’s Faculty of Veterinary Medicine (UCVM) programs aimed at alleviating this shortage. We also proposed that municipalities actively participate in recruitment efforts and serve as information conduits to help attract and retain veterinary professionals, especially those with rural or small-town backgrounds who are more likely to stay in these communities long-term. 

ABmunis also engaged directly with the provincial government including holding a meeting between ABmunis Economic Strategy Committee and the Minister of Agriculture and Irrigation.  

We are pleased that the province acted and made a $68.5 million investment in a new Veterinary Learning Commons at the University of Calgary which doubled training capacity when it opened earlier this month and fulfilled the intent of the resolution.