Response: Vet shortage Resolutions 1:23 and 2:23

Resolution 1-23, Resolution 2-23,

Resolution 1-23: CREATION OF A MID-LEVEL ALBERTA VETERINARY MEDICAL ASSOCIATION (ABVMA) PROFESSIONAL DESIGNATION

This resolution was directed at Minister Brian Jean with the Ministry of Jobs, Economy and Northern Development. Minister Jean forwarded the resolution to Minister Kaycee Mandu, the Minister of Skilled Trades and Professions for response. Minister Mandu responded to both Resolution 1-23, and 2-23 in the same letter.

The resolution asks for the creation of a Mid- Level Veterinary Professional designation within the Veterinary Profession Act to address the rural veterinary shortage and provide mid-level supportive care to Alberta livestock producers with veterinary oversight. The answer from Minister Kaycee is that the process for adding another layer will require significant consultation with both the ABVMA, stakeholders and the public and will take a legislation change.

“While not a fast solution to the situation, it may fit into a range of responses that will work together to help address the shortage.”

Resolution 2-23: RURAL VETERINARY STUDENTS

This resolution was directed at Alberta Advanced Education, and Alberta Agriculture and Irrigation. Minister Kaycee Mandu, the Minister of Skilled Trades and Professions responded to this resolution in his letter to the ASBPC.

The resolution asks that the Government of Alberta aid the crisis of rural veterinary shortage by directing the University of Calgary to adjust admissions to the Faculty of Veterinary Medicine for students from rural areas applying by providing credit for rural acuity and prioritize accepting students who intend to specialize in large animal practice and return to work in rural areas following completion of their program.

Minister Kaycee’s response details some of the work that has already been done to clarify the root causes and work towards some possible solutions including the addition of a few streams under the Alberta Advantage Immigration Strategy that they hope will encourage immigration of skilled professions to rural Alberta.

You can read the full response on the 2023 Resolutions page or through the links at the top of the blog.