Sask. feeling effects of countrywide veterinarian shortage
Saskatchewan is facing a veterinarian and veterinary technician shortage along with the rest of the country.
Statistics from the Canadian Veterinary Medical Association (CVMA) show 30 per cent of vets and 50 per cent of vet techs are in the advanced stages of burnout.
“We’re feeling it urban areas like here in Regina, but we’re especially feeling it in more rural areas and in large and food animal practice,” said Dr. Katelyn McIntyre, president of the Saskatchewan Veterinary Medical Association (SVMA).
“We’re seeing a record number of job postings. Postings that have gone unfilled for months if not years.”
The shortage could mean longer wait times for patients or clinics could be forced to turn new clients away, McIntyre said.
The workforce is losing veterinarians to retirement and mental health reasons, while other vets are choosing to work only part-time, she said, adding it is a balancing act with trying to train, recruit and certify new employees or foreign-trained veterinarians.
“As an association, we’re working really hard to come up with solutions to a complex problem,” McIntyre said.
Solutions could include increasing training spaces, easing the process for foreign-trained applicants and offering telemedicine services to patients.
For the time being, McIntyre encourages pet and livestock owners to develop a good relationship with their veterinarian, be patient and prepare for booking appointments in advance.
In a statement, Advanced Education Minister Gordon Wyant said the government recognizes the demand for vets and vet techs across the province.
He said the province has taken steps to close the gap, including an increase in funding for the Western College to provide 20 seats to Saskatchewan residents and the implementation of the remote veterinary technology program at Saskatchewan Polytechnic.
“Starting in fall 2022, three of the 20 veterinary seats at the Western College of Veterinary Medicine will be targeted to students with a demonstrated likelihood of working in large animal and/or rural mixed animal practices,” his statement read.
The Ministries of Advanced Education and Agriculture continue to work with the college and stakeholders to explore other solutions, he added.
CATTLE PRODUCERS FEELING THE IMPACT
The Saskatchewan Cattlemen’s Association (SCA) is raising concerns about the impacts vet shortages are having on local livestock producers.
Arnold Balicki, SCA chairman and cattle farmer near Shellbrook, Sask., said accessing animal care has been difficult since his local clinic in Prince Albert discontinued after-hours service and weekend calls earlier this year.
While producers understand the staffing shortages and burnout concerns, Balicki said farmers are being forced to make tough decisions, especially during calving season when emergencies can arise.
“If we have a C-section or a scouring calf, decisions have to be made whether we can take them to a clinic if they’ll accept us, or we may have to euthanize them on the farm,” he said.
“It’s not only an emotional thing because we love our animals, but it’s also a huge financial hit to us to do that to our animals.”
Balicki said the next closest vet clinic to him is two and a half hours away, adding distance between clinics is another barrier in rural Saskatchewan. He said if the shortages and burnout persist, there is concern that some veterinarians may switch to companion animals only, leaving livestock farmers with no where to go.
The SCA has been raising these concerns for about eight years, he said. The association is now pressuring the provincial government to do more in order to incentivize students to go into veterinary medicine. They are also calling on the government to increase seats at the Western College of Veterinary Medicine at the University of Saskatchewan.
Balicki said the government should expand its loan forgiveness program that encourages veterinarians to work in large animal clinics.
“They are in constant need. It’s like your family doctor, you sure want them there when you need them,” Balicki said.
CTVNews.ca Top Stories
NEW From yearning for a change to cost of living, why some Canadians have left or may leave the country
For some immigrants, their dreams of permanently settling in Canada have taken an unexpected twist.
Here are the ultraprocessed foods you most need to avoid, according to a 30-year study
Studies have shown that ultraprocessed foods can have a detrimental impact on health. But 30 years of research show they don’t all have the same impact.
NEW Capital gains tax change 'shortsighted' and 'sows division' business groups tell Freeland
Forging ahead with increasing Canada's capital gains inclusion rate 'sows division,' and is a 'shortsighted' way to improve the deficit, business groups are warning Finance Minister Chrystia Freeland.
Ontario man frustrated after $3,500 paving job leaves driveway in shambles
An Ontario man considering having his driveway paved received a quote from a company for $7,000, but then, another paver in the neighbourhood knocked on his door and offered half that rate.
Defence attacks Stormy Daniels' credibility as she returns to the stand in Trump's hush money trial
Stormy Daniels will return to the witness stand Thursday in Donald Trump's hush money trial as the defence tries to undermine the credibility of the porn actor's salacious testimony about their alleged sexual encounter and the money she was paid to keep quiet.
Police handcuff man trying to enter Drake's Toronto mansion
Toronto police say a man was taken into custody outside Drake's Bridle Path mansion Wednesday afternoon after he tried to gain access to the residence.
What is whooping cough and should Canadians be concerned as Europe declares outbreak?
There is currently a whooping cough epidemic in Europe, with 10 times as many cases compared to the previous two years. While an outbreak has not been declared nationwide in Canada, whooping cough is regularly detected in the country.
Florida deputies who fatally shot U.S. airman burst into wrong apartment, attorney says
Deputies responding to a disturbance call at a Florida apartment complex burst into the wrong unit and fatally shot a Black U.S. Air Force airman who was home alone when they saw he was armed with a gun, an attorney for the man's family said Wednesday.
Air Canada ranks near bottom on customer satisfaction: survey
Air Canada ranks below most other major North American airlines on customer satisfaction, with airfares a particular sore point, according to a new survey.