By Alice McFarlane

Growing Alberta’s veterinary workforce

Sep 16, 2025 | 11:10 AM

The Alberta government and the University of Calgary are supporting the increasing demand for veterinarian training by doubling enrolment.

Fifty more veterinarians will be coming through the newly opened Veterinary Learnings Commons.

Alberta’s government has invested a total of $68.5 million for the development of the new centre at the University of Calgary’s Spyhill campus.

Since 2005, the University of Calgary Faculty of Veterinary Medicine (UCVM) has been preparing students with the skills and knowledge needed to support animal health and research across Alberta.

Previously offering 50 seats each year for veterinary training, the grand opening of the Veterinary Learning Commons will double training capacity, allowing the Faculty of Veterinary Medicine to train 100 veterinarians each year, beginning this academic year.

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RJ Sigurdson, minister of agriculture and irrigation, said the new facility will offer a better educational experience by creating new, modern learning and wellness spaces. With rising demand for veterinarians to care for livestock and large animals, the training centre will play a key role in closing the gap.

“Alberta veterinarians ensure animals receive the highest standard of care, preventing the spread of disease and supporting food safety across the province,” Sigurdson said. “More vets, especially in rural Alberta, will mean better support for producers and improved care for livestock across the province.”

The agriculture sector depends on healthy animals and having reliable access to veterinary care. To help meet this need, increased intake at the Faculty of Veterinary Medicine will lead to more veterinary professionals serving communities across the province. The University of Calgary’s community-based practicum model also connects veterinary students with rural practices to ensure livestock and other farm animals receive the care they need.

Faculty of Veterinary Medicine Dean Renate Weller said Alberta has a crisis-point shortage of veterinary professionals, particularly in rural communities but also urban centers.

“We are addressing this shortage directly with this class and building expansion as well as updating curriculum and mental health approaches, all with the intention to potentially target and treat attrition rates,” Weller said.

Alberta Veterinary Medical Association president Dr. Lindsey Kurach said it marks an exciting milestone for veterinary medicine in Alberta.

“Thanks to the Government of Alberta’s support, this facility opens the door to expanded training opportunities for the next generation of veterinarians here at home in Alberta. We’re proud to be a partner in this work and to help grow the profession for the future,” Kurach added.

The Veterinary Learning Commons includes several student gathering areas, wellness spaces and three flexible active learning classroom spaces that will support the expanded program.

As one of Canada’s top livestock producers, Alberta leads the country in cattle numbers, ranks second in sheep and lamb production, and accounts for 11 per cent of the national pig herd.

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alice.mcfarlane@pattisonmedia.com