Nova Scotia has signed a new agreement that will secure 24 seats annually over the next five years at UPEI’s Atlantic Veterinary College for Nova Scotians.
The Province’s total investment over five years is about $50.8 million, including the cost of the seats and some funding for capital improvements at the college.
The new deal comes amidst a shortage of veterinarians in Nova Scotia which is being felt by both pet owners and livestock owners.
“Nova Scotia needs more veterinarians to care for our animals,” said Brian Wong, Minister of Advanced Education. “We’ve had a positive partnership with the Atlantic Veterinary College for many years, and we’re looking to continue investing in the college to offer a high-quality education in veterinary medicine while increasing the number of available seats to train the veterinarians Nova Scotia needs.”
UPEI and Nova Scotia have had similar agreements in place since 1983, the most recent of which expired in March. That agreement was for 10 years and guaranteed 18 Nova Scotians seats in the veterinary program.
Under the agreement Nova Scotian students accepted to the program will be required to complete a portion of their clinical rotation in Nova Scotia. They will also need to work within Nova Scotia for at least three years after completing the veterinary program.
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