Press conference video still featuring Dr. Trevor Lawson, CVMA president.

The Canadian Veterinary Medical Association (CVMA) recently took its concerns to Ottawa, to call on the federal government to address workplace shortages and support a robust veterinary workforce. This call for action includes additional investments in programs, projects, and veterinary infrastructure, as well as prioritizing the mental health of all veterinary professionals and paraprofessionals.

Canada’s veterinary professionals face pressing challenges, and the CVMA has demanded immediate attention from the federal government. According to the Canadian Occupation Project System (COPS) by Employment and Social Development Canada (ESDC), there is a structural supply deficit of veterinarians in the labour market, both in the short term and projected until 2031. This shortage has far-reaching implications for animal health and welfare, public health, the economy, communities, and the well-being of veterinary professionals and paraprofessionals.

“Veterinary medicine supports animal health and welfare, public health, and a healthy environment, which together are foundational for the health of Canadians and the Canadian economy,” says CVMA president Dr. Trevor Lawson. “Given the severe workforce shortage in our profession, Canada needs a veterinary workforce enhancement program that supports expansion and innovation of clinical teaching, training, and research to develop the next generation of veterinarians in response to societal demands.”

The association pinpoints measures that can help address the workforce shortage, and in doing so, reduce the significant threat to the veterinary profession, and veterinary patients and clients. These measures include recruiting and onboarding foreign-trained veterinarians (FTVs), establishing a national testing centre for internationally educated veterinarians, and allocating dedicated funds for veterinary infrastructure.

Additionally, there is a concerning prevalence of burnout and mental health issues among veterinarians, with one in five reporting suicidal ideation during their careers and a staggering 89.2 per cent experiencing burnout (high exhaustion, high depersonalization, and low professional efficacy).

“It is imperative that Canada addresses this challenge urgently and comprehensively,” says Joel Neuheimer, CEO of the CVMA. “Practice owners and employers are struggling to hire and retain veterinary professionals and paraprofessionals, which raises concerns about maintaining the highest standards of care.”

This past December, the CVMA collaborated with MNP LLP to release a report titled, “The Economic Impacts of Veterinary Medicine in Canada.” Among its key findings, the report highlights the significant contribution of the veterinary profession to Canada’s economy. In 2022 and 2023, veterinary practices of all types generated $15.7 billion in total economic output; $8.9 billion in total gross domestic product (GDP); $1.7 billion in total revenue for municipalities, provinces, and the federal government; and more than 75,000 full-time equivalent jobs for Canadians.

The complete CVMA press conference can be viewed here.