Alberta’s federal and provincial governments are investing $250,000 over two years in a new pilot program aimed at addressing veterinary shortages in rural communities, particularly in livestock-focused practices.

The Veterinary Student Recruitment and Retention Pilot Grant Program, funded through the Sustainable Canadian Agricultural Partnership, will provide up to $10,000 per clinic to support the hiring of a veterinary student between May 1 and Aug. 31, 2026. The initiative is designed to encourage students to pursue long-term careers in rural Alberta by giving them hands-on experience in communities facing current or anticipated veterinarian shortages.

Federal Agriculture Minister Heath MacDonald said rural veterinarians play a key role in supporting livestock producers and maintaining Canada’s food supply.

“Alberta’s ranchers take the health and well-being of their livestock seriously, and veterinarians in rural communities are an essential part of their operations,” MacDonald said in a statement.

Alberta Agriculture and Irrigation Minister RJ Sigurdson said the program is part of a broader effort to stabilize the province’s agricultural sector.

“By investing in veterinary students, we are investing in the future of Alberta’s agriculture industry,” he said, noting that increasing the number of trained veterinarians will help ensure reliable access to care for livestock producers.

The program targets rural and mixed-animal practices that provide livestock services and are experiencing staffing gaps. Applications are now open, with a second intake planned for 2027.

Dr. Renate Weller, dean of the University of Calgary Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, said early exposure to rural practice is critical to building long-term workforce capacity.

“Helping rural practices provide meaningful, hands-on experiences to our students will result in lasting connections and strengthen a resilient veterinary workforce,” she said.

The initiative comes amid ongoing concerns about veterinary shortages across the province. A 2021 report from the Alberta Veterinary Medical Association found vacancy rates nearing 17 per cent overall and almost 19 per cent in rural areas, far above the provincial average of about three per cent.

The report also projected Alberta will need more than 1,600 additional veterinarians by 2035 to meet growing demand.

Dr. Jami Frederick, president of the association, said improving access to rural training opportunities is a key step in addressing those shortages.

“Creating meaningful opportunities for students in rural practice helps build lasting connections and supports a strong, sustainable workforce,” Frederick said.

The Sustainable Canadian Agricultural Partnership is a five-year, $3.5-billion investment by federal, provincial and territorial governments aimed at strengthening Canada’s agriculture and agri-food sector.