The Ontario Federation of Agriculture (OFA) is pleased to see the provincial government take a significant step toward addressing Ontario’s veterinary capacity crisis with a $2 million investment to help build a new veterinary training facility in Thunder Bay.
In partnership with the University of Guelph and Lakehead University, this initiative—part of its new Collaborative Doctor of Veterinary Medicine Program—will help grow a made-in-Ontario solution to a challenge farmers in every rural and northern region know too well: not enough large animal vets, and too few opportunities to educate them close to home.
“On behalf of the Ontario Federation of Agriculture, I extend our sincere congratulations to Lakehead University on the announcement of further investment in a large animal veterinary training program in Northern Ontario,” said OFA President Drew Spoelstra. “This is a major step forward for Ontario’s livestock sector and a long-standing priority for our members across the province. We are especially grateful to Ministers Trevor Jones and George Pirie for their leadership and commitment to addressing the unique challenges faced by rural and northern communities. Their support for this initiative is a strong signal of this government’s dedication to strengthening Ontario’s agricultural capacity and ensuring the health and wellbeing of our livestock sector for generations to come.”
OFA has long advocated for expanding veterinary education and support, particularly in rural and northern communities where the need is most critical. The new facility—Gakina Awesiinyag, meaning “All Animals” in Anishinaabemowin—will be rooted in Northern Ontario, with training that reflects the realities and demands of practicing in remote and agricultural settings.
By embedding large animal veterinary education in the north, this investment will help strengthen service capacity in areas that have historically been underserved.
“This investment directly benefits Northern Ontario farmers by improving access to large-animal veterinary care—critical for livestock health, food security, and the region’s agri-food economy,” said Madelein Beaudry, President and Secretary of the West Nipissing-Subury East Federation of Agriculture “We welcome this support and the recognition of the importance of retaining students in Northern Ontario.”
Access to timely veterinary care is essential to livestock health, farm productivity, animal welfare, and food security. While this announcement won’t solve the veterinary shortage overnight, it’s a meaningful move in the right direction. OFA has long advocated for increased veterinary capacity across Ontario, including expanded educational pathways, rural placement incentives, and enhanced professional supports.
Increasing capacity, reducing barriers for students, and supporting the next generation of large animal vets are all crucial parts of a long-term strategy.
“This collaboration is a positive step towards addressing the shortage of veterinarians that has been felt across Ontario, but especially in Northern Ontario,” said Mike Visser, President of the Thunder Bay Federation of Agriculture. “It also creates a fantastic opportunity for those involved within the program to collaborate with the local Agriculture community.”
OFA commends the government for recognizing the urgency of the issue and investing in solutions that reflect the needs of both people and animals. OFA will continue to advocate for further measures—such as incentives for rural practice, expanded mentorship and education opportunities, and distributed economic development—to ensure Ontario’s livestock producers have the veterinary care they need to maintain animal health and farm viability.