WCVM Interprovincial Agreement
2020-2025
MANITOBA | BRITISH COLUMBIA | SASKATCHEWAN | USASK
The Governments of Manitoba, British Columbia and Saskatchewan have renewed their financial commitment to the Western College of Veterinary Medicine on the University of Saskatchewan campus for the next five years.
The renewal of the WCVM Interprovincial Agreement helps to ensure that Western Canada has a steady supply of veterinarians with in-depth knowledge of animal health and public health, as well as an awareness of the standards and issues facing livestock, fowl and fisheries producers and pet owners.
A WCVM student's perspective
"The financial stability provided by this agreement will continue supporting the training of many more students like me from Western Canada. 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. Thank you to the provincial partners for supporting the WCVM and helping veterinary students achieve their dreams at this college. We couldn’t do it without your support."
Alannah Friedlund, WCVM Class of 2022 and President, Western Canadian Students' Veterinary Association (WCVSA). Home community: Fiske, Sask.
Messages
Manitoba
“The Manitoba government is pleased to renew our commitment to training in veterinary medicine and continue our long-standing partnership that provides high-quality education and training opportunities to Manitobans and helps meet labour market demand across the province. This is an important investment in Manitoba’s agriculture sector that aligns with needs under the Manitoba Protein Advantage Strategy. We need good veterinarians in place to help us practise safe animal welfare and keep growing animal agriculture in Manitoba.”
Hon. Ralph Eichler, Minister of Economic Development and Training, Manitoba
British Columbia
“There is an increasing demand for veterinarians and veterinary research across Western Canada. This agreement helps us focus on equipping students from the western provinces with the expertise to return and practise in their home communities, where they are in demand.”
Hon. Melanie Mark, Minister of Advanced Education, Skills and Training, British Columbia
Saskatchewan
“Ensuring that educational opportunities meet labour-market expectations is a Growth Plan priority for our government. This agreement allows Saskatchewan, and our partner provinces, to communicate admissions’ priorities so they are in step with each province’s labour-market needs.”
Hon. Tina Beaudry-Mellor, Minister of Advanced Education, Saskatchewan
University of Saskatchewan
“The WCVM is built on collaboration, and its people and programs strengthen the University of Saskatchewan’s impact in everything from agriculture and animal health to comparative medicine and public health. We’re excited to see what it will achieve with the renewed support of its provincial partners and our university.”
Dr. Melissa Just, Interim Provost and Vice-president Academic, University of Saskatchewan
Western College of Veterinary Medicine
"This agreement ensures that the WCVM can continue delivering a powerful combination of veterinary education, clinical service and research. Thank you to our partners for investing in our college’s bright future. Thank you for believing in us."
Dr. Gillian Muir, WCVM Class of 1988 and Acting Dean, Western College of Veterinary Medicine
About the College
What is the WCVM?
The Western College of Veterinary Medicine (WCVM) is the premier 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.
What is the Interprovincial Agreement?
Since the mid-1960s, this unique document has been updated and renewed by the WCVM, its provincial partners and the University of Saskatchewan (USask) every five years. It outlines the veterinary college’s responsibilities to its provincial partners in veterinary education, clinical and diagnostic services, and research. It spells out the terms about provincial enrolment quotas, residency status of applicants to the college and the cost-sharing formula for funding the college at USask.