Overcoming the Veterinarian Crisis
Northwestern Ontario’s severe shortage of veterinarians has left farmers, ranchers, and agri-businesses facing significant challenges to maintain the health and productivity of their livestock. The region’s agriculture sector relies heavily on large-animal veterinary services, yet with only one large-animal vet currently serving Thunder Bay and the surrounding area, producers have struggled to get the reliable care they need. This shortage has serious economic implications, affecting food security, disease management, and the growth potential of local agriculture.
Alongside these agricultural challenges, families have had to travel long distances, often across provincial or even national borders, to find care for their beloved animal companions. The shortage affects everyone—from farmers whose livestock is critical to their livelihoods to people seeking timely, accessible care for their furry and feathered family members.
That’s why Lakehead University is grateful to the Thunder Bay Community Economic Development Corporation (CEDC)—the City of Thunder Bay’s lead economic development agency—a resolute champion for local growth. With the CEDC’s generous $500,000 contribution toward the construction of Lakehead’s new veterinary training facilities, we are one step closer to building the infrastructure necessary for the Collaborative Doctor of Veterinary Medicine Program (CDVMP), which will serve as northern Ontario’s centre for veterinary education.
Veterinary services are a 20-billion-dollar industry in Ontario that needs to increase its workforce by up to four per cent annually. “Right now, my brother and sister-in-law in Thunder Bay have to take their pets to a vet in Grand Marais, Minnesota,” says Thunder Bay CEDC Chief Executive Officer Jamie Taylor. Photo credit: Ontario Veterinary College
“It was important to the CEDC to be one of the lead donors to show our commitment to the veterinary program and to enable Lakehead to leverage more funding,” says Jamie Taylor, the CEDC’s CEO. “Our gift will assist with engineering and architectural costs as well as capital purchases such as equipment.”
“I’m a Lakehead graduate and a strong supporter of postsecondary education, and this program will create new opportunities for young people and encourage animal-care professionals and businesses to set up shop in Thunder Bay,” adds Thunder Bay Mayor Ken Boshcoff (HBA '72). “Veterinarian clinics are an essential community service and ensuring that they are available for every animal who needs them is part of our quest to make Thunder Bay the best small city in Canada.”
Lakehead has partnered with the University of Guelph to create and deliver the Collaborative Doctor of Veterinary Medicine Program. This will allow Lakehead to draw upon the expertise of Guelph’s Ontario Veterinary College, which is ranked first in Canada and in the top 10 in the world for veterinary science. “The partnership with the University of Guelph is a game-changing idea,” Taylor says.
The program will increase the number of veterinary graduates in Ontario by 20 per year. The program’s students will come from northern Ontario and will be trained to practice in northern Ontario—including rural, remote, and First Nations communities.
The Collaborative Doctor of Veterinary Medicine Program will not only help alleviate the veterinary shortage and give young people more educational choices, but also generate substantial economic benefits far beyond the establishment of new veterinary practices. “The program will boost the strength of our agricultural sector by addressing the shortage of large-animal vets and by promoting food security and new farming operations,” Taylor says. “Additionally, training Indigenous students in their communities will foster economic reconciliation.” Lakehead’s veterinary facility will also provide employment for specialized instructors, technicians, and administrative support staff.
But at the heart of this innovative veterinary program is a commitment to improving the quality of life in our communities.
“The City of Thunder Bay is excited to partner with Lakehead University to launch the Collaborative Doctor of Veterinary Medicine Program,” says Mayor Boshcoff. “It will give farm animals, and the animals who are part of our families, the best care possible.”
“The Collaborative Doctor of Veterinary Medicine Program aligns well with the CEDC’s community development and business development priorities,” Jamie Taylor (HBCom '04) says.
