The Ontario government’s Veterinary Incentive Program aims to encourage newly licensed veterinarians to practice in northern and underserviced communities.
The program intake opened in April. It provides grants of up to $50,000 over five years to veterinarians who provide care to livestock and poultry to underserved communities.
“Veterinary services are a necessity for the agricultural community across Ontario, and our government recognizes the long-standing issues that farmers in underserviced areas have experienced when trying to access these services,” said Agriculture, Food and Rural Affairs Minister Lisa Thompson. “Through this initiative, we’re taking action to fix it. The Veterinary Incentive Program will ensure the sustainability and continued health of Ontario’s livestock sector.”
Through this program, up to 100 newly licensed veterinarians will be incentivized to provide specialized care to animals such as cattle, sheep, goats, and poultry in underserviced locations of the province. It is being delivered by the Agricultural Adaptation Council (AAC). Program details, eligibility requirements and information on how to apply will be available on the AAC website.
The initiative will fund up to 30 vets a year for a total of 100 over the eight-year life of the program.
“Access to veterinary care is vital to ensure a prosperous Ontario livestock value chain, especially in underserviced areas,” said Doug Alexander, Chair, Agricultural Adaptation Council. “We are pleased to have been chosen to deliver this unique, timely incentive program for newly licensed veterinarians on behalf of OMAFRA.”
