OFA provided comments to the Ministry of Northern Development (MND) on the Veterinary Assistance Program (VAP), after an engagement session held on April 3, 2024. The engagement session south feedback on the effectiveness on the VAP.

Based on the engagement session discussion, OFA provided the following comments and recommendations:

• Burden and Transparency:
  • Reviewing the VAP governance structure and examining additional VAP processes to streamline the program, and decrease administrative burden and red tape.
  • Formalizing a communications structure between MND, governing bodies, and stakeholders.
  • Basic program data and analytics are needed to determine the effectiveness of the program.
• Increased Flexibility:
  • VAP program should be more flexible to ensure all allocated funding is used.
  • Extend VAP funding to veterinary technicians.
• Reflect Current Costs:
  • The VAP program budget should be increased to $1.6 million yearly, base don the current rate of inflation.
• Increase Amount of Funds Designated to a Single Contract:
  • Increase the amount of funds able to be designated to a single contract to help offset travel costs.
• Increase Mileage Rate:
  • Mileage reimbursement rate should be increased to $2.05 per km travelled.
• Reallocate Program:
  • As the veterinary shortage issue is a rural issue, the VAP should be transferred to the Ontario Ministry of Agriculture, Food and Rural Affairs.