The ABVMA urges the province to restore its funding commitment to the Western College of Veterinary Medicine, to help meet demand for veterinary services in Alberta

BANFF, AB, Oct. 17, 2017 /CNW/ - The Alberta Veterinary Medical Association (ABVMA) applauds the recent announcement by the Ministry of Advanced Education to substantially increase funding for the University of Calgary Faculty of Veterinary Medicine (UCVM). The ABVMA strongly supports enhanced funding to UCVM, and the move honours part of a request the ABVMA made to the Minister of Advanced Education to help address a shortage of veterinarians in the province resulting from limited post-secondary placement opportunities for Alberta students.

The ABVMA also requested the province honour its previous assurance that funding would be maintained for the Western College of Veterinary Medicine (WCVM). Eliminating funding for this partnership reduces the capacity for veterinary education and therefore limits the number of veterinarians available to practice in the province at a time when there is already a shortage of veterinarians. The ABVMA is deeply concerned by the provincial government's recent decision to end its funding commitment to WCVM.

"Alberta's ongoing support of both UCVM and WCVM will provide capacity to meet demands of the public for veterinary medical services, ensuring animal health and welfare today and in the future," said ABVMA President Dr. Margitta Dziwenka. "In addition, Alberta veterinarians provide a significant contribution to public health, research, environmental sustainability, food production, and the associated safety and security."

The ABVMA is calling on the province to restore its funding commitment to WCVM, ensuring the veterinary profession in Alberta is able to meet demand for its essential animal health and welfare services, while continuing to serve the public interest.

Media Contact & Availability:

The Alberta Veterinary Medical Association is the professional regulatory body responsible for the practice of veterinary medicine in the province, under the authority of the Veterinary Profession Act. The primary mandate of the association is to ensure the public is receiving quality veterinary service.

Media availability with ABVMA President Dr. Margitta Dziwenka will be held at the Fairmont Banff Springs Hotel on Tuesday, October 17, from 10 a.m. to 12 p.m. Media should report to the main entrance of the Fairmont Banff Springs Conference Centre. Media availability will be in the Rob Ritchie Room.

SOURCE Alberta Veterinary Medical Association

Media Contact: Travis Grant, [email protected], 780-709-8994