Province launches grant program to recruitment more rural student veterinarians

By MEDICINE HAT NEWS on March 14, 2026.

The government has announced it will launch a new two-year pilot grant program aimed at attracting more rural summer veterinary students, as demand for livestock help is in high demand.

On Thursday the province announced a $250,000 funding commitment that will be open to veterinary clinics in rural areas as a wage incentive for one veterinary student who will work at the clinic throughout the summer.

Eligible clinics will receive up to $10,000 to hire a student to work four months, from May 1 to Aug. 31.

According to numbers reported by the government, the provincial vacancy rate for veterinarian positions is approximately 17 per cent and raises to approximately 19 per cent in rural areas, compared to Alberta’s overall job vacancy rate of approximately three per cent.

“We understand the urgency of the veterinary shortage in Alberta. Rural and mixed-practice veterinarians are essential to the wellbeing of our livestock and the sustainability of our agriculture sector,” said RJ Sigurdson, minister of agriculture and irrigation.

Based on attrition rates and growing demand for veterinary services, the province estimates a need for more than 1,600 new vets by 2035.

“By investing in veterinary students, we are investing in the future of Alberta’s agriculture industry,” added Sigurdson. “More trained vets in Alberta means we are one step closer to ensuring every livestock producer has reliable access to veterinary care for their animals, and we can continue to be world leaders in animal health and food safety.”

“The program helps vets plant roots and helps producers do what they do best – providing safe, high-quality food while building the rural communities that help drive Canada’s economy,” said federal Ag Minister Heath MacDonald.

Application for the 2027 intake will open next year.

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