The Canadian Veterinary Medical Association (CVMA) has raised concerns regarding the federal government’s recent decision to lower Canada’s immigration targets. In a letter sent to Immigration, Refugees, and Citizenship Canada (IRCC) Minister Marc Miller, the CVMA emphasized the potential impact of these cuts on the veterinary profession, particularly when Canada is facing a critical shortage of new veterinarians.

Under the new targets, immigration levels will decrease from 485,000 in 2024 to 395,000 in 2025, 380,000 in 2026, and 365,000 in 2027. The CVMA cautions that this reduction occurs during a crucial period. Canadian veterinary clinics are already experiencing a shortage of skilled veterinarians and are increasingly dependent on internationally trained professionals to address workforce gaps.

In their letter, the CVMA highlighted that the current shortage of veterinarians is already significant and expected to worsen. Employment and Social Development Canada’s Canadian Occupation Project System projects a structural deficit in the veterinary labour market through 2031. This shortage risks animal health and welfare, public health, and the broader Canadian economy.

“The CVMA urges the federal government to address these pressing needs by developing and implementing strategies for recruiting and assessing internationally trained veterinarians who can help fill the current labour shortage,” the letter stated.

The organization further noted Canada’s veterinary colleges are not producing enough graduates to meet the growing demand for services, exacerbating the workforce crisis. While Canadian veterinary schools are working hard to train new veterinarians, they cannot meet the increased demand for veterinary services alone. To address this, the CVMA advocates for the establishment of a National Testing Centre to streamline the accreditation process for internationally trained veterinarians, helping to expedite their integration into the Canadian workforce.