06/15/2026
We need your feedback - help us advocate for the future of veterinary services in rural Alberta!
Access to veterinary services is essential for healthy livestock, productive operations, and strong rural communities. Your feedback will help support provincial advocacy efforts and demonstrate the importance of veterinary care to Alberta agriculture.
Did you know? 71% of veterinarians surveyed in Lacombe County in 2024 reported there is already a shortage of large animal veterinarians. 100% believe the shortage will worsen over the next 10–15 years.
The Canada Student Loan Forgiveness Program is a federal initiative that reduces the federal portion of a borrower's student loan when they work in an eligible profession in a rural, remote, or underserved community. The program was created to help attract and retain essential service providers in communities experiencing workforce shortages.
Since its introduction in 2012, the program has focused on human health-care and community service professions, such as family doctors and nurses, with additional eligible professions added over time. Veterinarians are currently not included, despite the critical role they play in supporting animal health, food safety, agricultural productivity, and the sustainability of rural communities.
Take the short, anonymous 10-question survey and help support efforts to have veterinarians included in the Canada Student Loan Forgiveness Program. Your input will help demonstrate the importance of veterinary services to the success and sustainability of farms and ranches across Alberta.
Survey closes June 30. Only takes a few minutes to complete. All responses are anonymous.
Your voice matters. Here is the link to the Economic Value of Veterinary Access Survey: https://forms.office.com/pages/responsepage.aspx?id=NJ0G5uONc0SG6owNWGHYGn96hUQj0VNIp1cH7Sy-vANUNTA2VUQ5WVNXWFMxMUFWRlVJTUZUMzY1Vy4u&route=shorturl
