B.C. funds veterinary school spots as demand for services skyrockets in some regions
In Victoria, seven-year-old mixed breed Maddie has had a few surgeries in recent years. She's now healthy and her owner knows the fast access to veterinary care isn't everyone's experience.
Megan Landells said that, aside from a wait for a specialist, Maddie has been seen quickly.
"We had no problem getting in we’ve been lucky but I’ve heard there’s been problems," she told CTV News.
It's a problem veterinarian Dr. Adrian Walton knows all too well. His family is on vacation for spring break. He couldn't join them because he doesn't have enough vets at his Metro Vancouver clinic. Yet, he knows the situation is even direr in other parts of the province.
"On Vancouver Island we, at one point, only had one functioning emergency clinic for veterinarians because of the short staff," Walton said Thursday.
At a government news conference Walton said he'd seen a recent Facebook post about a shortage so severe in Haida Gwaii, that no vet will be available for the next two weeks. He said in many Northern or smaller communities, owners must drive hours to get care for animals.
Walton made the comments as Selina Robinson, the Minister of Advanced Education and Future Skills Training announced B.C. will permanently double the number of subsidized veterinary school spots from 20 to 40.
"We know that there’s going to be 80 interviews for those seats so we know that there’s demand," added Robinson.
Those spots are at a university in Saskatchewan that has an agreement to train B.C. students. Given the demand, reporters asked why the province didn't consider opening its own school here.
"That's a significant undertaking that would be years in the making, and this is too dire and too important for us. We need to do certain things in the short term and in the medium term," Robinson replied.
Landells told CTV the announcement was "good news," although she wondered how long it would take pet owners to see a difference.
The problem isn't a new one. For years the B.C. Liberals have been calling on the NDP government to expand the number of subsidized training spots on a permanent basis. The province initially doubled the spots, but on a temporary basis. Now almost $300 million will go towards the first three years of the program.
The province said it is working on a longer-term plan to recruit more vets to Northern B.C., and to work with larger animals. Both are areas where there is a dire need.
Walton acknowledged this was a step in the right direction.
"The simple fact is, we're okay with the fact that we're going to be working our arses off for the next two years, as long as there's light at the end of the tunnel," he added.
He added, the announcement means he may even get to vacation with his family in a couple of years.
CTVNews.ca Top Stories
NEW After hearing thousands of last words, this hospital chaplain has advice for the living
Hospital chaplain J.S. Park opens up about death, grief and hearing thousands of last words, and shares his advice for the living.
Some Canadian families will receive up to $620 per child today
More money will land in the pockets of some Canadian families on Friday for the latest Canada Child Benefit installment.
BREAKING Iran fires at apparent Israeli attack drones near Isfahan air base and nuclear site
An apparent Israeli drone attack on Iran saw troops fire air defences at a major air base and a nuclear site early Friday morning near the central city of Isfahan, an assault coming in retaliation for Tehran's unprecedented drone-and-missile assault on the country.
American millionaire Jonathan Lehrer denied bail after being charged with killing Canadian couple
American millionaire Jonathan Lehrer, one of two men charged in the killings of a Canadian couple in Dominica, has been denied bail.
Ottawa to force banks to call carbon rebate a carbon rebate in direct deposits
Canadian banks that refuse to identify the carbon rebate by name when doing direct deposits are forcing the government to change the law to make them do it, says Environment Minister Steven Guilbeault.
Ontario woman loses $15,000 to fake Walmart job scam
A woman who recently moved to Canada from India was searching for a job when she got caught in an online job scam and lost $15,000.
Prince Harry formally confirms he is now a U.S. resident
Prince Harry, the son of King Charles III and fifth in line to the British throne, has formally confirmed he is now a U.S. resident.
Colin Jost names one celebrity who is great at hosting 'Saturday Night Live'
Colin Jost, who co-anchors Saturday Night Live's 'Weekend Update,' revealed who he thinks is one of the best hosts on the show.
Nearly half of China's major cities are sinking, researchers say
Nearly half of China's major cities are suffering 'moderate to severe' levels of subsidence, putting millions at risk of flooding especially as sea levels rise.