The governments of Canada and Manitoba are investing $2 million through the new Sustainable Canadian Agricultural Partnership to enhance the capacity of rural veterinary services districts (VSDs) throughout Manitoba, Federal Agriculture and Agri-Food Minister Marie-Claude Bibeau and Manitoba Agriculture Minister Derek Johnson announced today.
Each VSD will be eligible to receive up to $75,000 toward the purchase of large-animal veterinary equipment, which will allow them to offer expanded services in their district, noted the Ministers. The funding will assist clinics in modernizing their equipment, which may support the recruitment and retention of veterinarians in rural areas. The investment promotes overall animal health and welfare, supports a resilient food chain and helps ensure Manitoba is well-prepared for animal disease emergencies, added Johnson.
The Ministers noted this investment builds on other recent initiatives implemented to expand the province’s animal health-care capacity to support the ongoing success of the agricultural sector. In 2022, the Manitoba government expanded its training agreement with the Western College of Veterinary Medicine to address the critical need for veterinarians and invested in a modernized Animal Health Laboratory Information Management System (LIMS) to strengthen the provincial animal disease surveillance program.
Quotes
“Canadian producers and ranchers take animal care very seriously. This investment will allow rural veterinarians access to essential modern equipment so they can provide timely animal health care.”
– The Honourable Marie-Claude Bibeau, Minister of Agriculture and Agri-Food
“Manitoba’s veterinary services districts provide essential veterinary services in 26 rural locations and account for over 80 per cent of the Manitoba clinics providing large-animal hospital services. Investing in large-animal veterinary services is vital to the continued resiliency and sustainability of Manitoba’s livestock sector.”
– Derek Johnson, Manitoba Minister of Agriculture
“Manitoba’s beef producers certainly value the essential services provided at the veterinary service district sites throughout the province. Government investments in large-animal veterinary equipment are a key component in supporting veterinary staff as they provide quality care for beef cattle. This is an important initiative.”
– Matthew Atkinson, President, Manitoba Beef Producers
Quick facts
- The Sustainable Canadian Agricultural Partnership is a 5-year, $3.5-billion investment by Canada’s federal, provincial and territorial governments that supports Canada’s agri-food and agri-products sectors. This includes $1 billion in federal programs and activities and a $2.5 billion commitment that is cost-shared 60% federally and 40% provincially/territorially for programs that are designed and delivered by provinces and territories.
