Provincial veterinarian assistance program updated

A provincial financial assistance program that has been around since 1945 is getting a refresh.

The Veterinary Assistance Programs provides grants to veterinarians and clinics that specialize in providing care to the agricultural community.

Funding can be obtained for things such as locum assistance, travel and continuing education costs.

The province says it is modernizing the program to include updated travel subsidies and a streamlined application process.

Veterinarians were previously nominated to the program through the Veterinarian Services Committees and the Northern Producer Animal Health Network.

They will now be able to submit an application directly to the Ministry of Northern Economic Development and Growth.

The province is also expanding the program to allow more vets and clinics to be eligible.

“In the face of economic uncertainty, our government is protecting Northern and rural Ontario’s agriculture sector by cutting red tape and streamlining this vital program to help the industry thrive,” states George Pirie, Minister of Northern Economic Development and Growth, in a release.

“The Veterinary Assistance Program has a long history of supporting veterinarians and farmers, and this redesign is an important first step in strengthening the program to better support agricultural production.”

The last review of the program came in 2004.

The province says it spoke with veterinarians, producers and others to identify ways to improve access, efficiency and long-term sustainability.

The province is also adding honeybees and fish as eligible livestock under the program.

The changes will take effect on April 1st.

“This initiative, together with others like the Veterinary Incentive Program, is making it easier for farmers and large animal owners to access veterinary care when and where they need it,” states Trevor Jones, Minister of Agriculture, Food and Agribusiness.

“Veterinary services are essential to the strength of Ontario’s agri-food sector, and our government is working to address the challenges farmers face in northern and rural communities to protect our province’s livestock industry.”

The program provides grants of up to $50,000 over five years to newly licensed veterinarians practicing in underserved areas of the province that care for animals such as cattle, sheep, goats and poultry.