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11 Associations Support CVMA’s Urgent Request for a National Testing Centre for Internationally Trained Veterinarians

November 20, 2024

The Canadian Veterinary Medical Association (CVMA) recently sent a letter to Mr. Lawrence MacAulay, Minister of Agriculture and Agri-Food, urging the federal government to help facilitate the entry of internationally trained veterinarians into the workforce.

The CVMA is advocating for an expanded national clinical proficiency examination testing center at the Western College of Veterinary Medicine which would be equipped with multiple assessment stations, a multi-user surgical suite, veterinary pathology facilities, basic medical imaging, anesthesia induction and recovery areas, and housing for live animals – all of which would significantly increase testing capacity. This multi-purpose facility would also support retraining programs to increase exam success rate for candidates.

The following associations have signed the letter in support of the CVMA’s request:

  • Association of Bovine Veterinarians
  • Deans Council - Agriculture, Food & Veterinary Medicine
  • Canadian Federation of Agriculture
  • Canadian Cattle Association
  • National Cattle Feeders’ Association
  • Turkey Farmers of Canada
  • Egg Farmers of Canada
  • Chicken Farmers of Canada
  • Canadian Hatching Egg Producers
  • Canadian Pork Council
  • Dairy Farmers of Canada

The letter was also sent to:

  • Minister of Health, Mark Holland, P.C., M.P.
  • Minister of Rural Economic Development and Minister responsible for the Atlantic Canada Opportunities Agency, Gudie Hutchings, P.C., M.P.
  • Minister of Mental Health and Addictions, Associate Minister of Health, Ya’ara Saks, P.C., M.P.
  • Parliamentary Secretary to the Minister of Agriculture and Agri-Food, Francis Drouin, M.P.
  • Parliamentary Secretary to the Minister of Health, Yasir Naqvi, M.P.
  • Paul MacKinnon, President of the Canadian Food Inspection Agency
  • Deputy Minister of Health, Greg Orencsak
  • Deputy Minister of Agriculture and Agri-Food Canada, Lawrence Hanson
  • Shadow Minister to the Minister of Health, Dr. Stephen Ellis, M.P.
  • Shadow Minister to the Minister of Agriculture, Agri-Food, and Food Security, John Barlow, M.P.

Read the complete letter here.