New Support for Veterinary Care in Northern Ontario

Northern Ontario has been struggling with a long-standing shortage of veterinary care, which leaves many rural, remote and Indigenous communities without access to essential routine and emergency services. This situation impacts animal welfare, community health, and the veterinarians who are tasked with covering vast areas with minimal assistance.

The Collaborative Doctor of Veterinary Medicine Program (CDVMP) is an innovative partnership between the University of Guelph and Lakehead University. It merges the internationally recognized veterinary education from the Ontario Veterinary College with Lakehead University’s 60-year commitment to supporting northern, rural, remote and Indigenous communities. Together, they aim to enhance educational opportunities and cultivate a skilled workforce ready to address the needs of Northern Ontario.

Thanks to up to $20.2 million from the Government of Ontario for new campus infrastructure and operational support at U of G and Lakehead, along with $20 million from Kim and Stu Lang’s Angel Gabriel Foundation, the CDVMP is advancing a practical solution: recruiting and training students from Northern Ontario to serve in their own communities.

A growing pathway built for the North

OVC’s Kim and Stu Lang Community Healthcare Partnership Program delivering care in community

Recently ranked as Canada’s top veterinary school and fourth best worldwide for its outstanding veterinary science, research, and education, OVC continues to set high standards.

The CDVMP increases OVC’s class size by 20 students annually while focusing on attracting students from Northern Ontario who understand the unique challenges in their region. The first northern cohort started their studies at OVC at U of G in fall 2025; both this group and the 2026 cohort will complete all four years in Guelph. Once Lakehead’s facilities are ready, future students will begin their DVM training in Thunder Bay before transitioning to Guelph for their final clinical years at OVC.

Graduates will gain extensive training in both companion animal care as well as farm animal medicine, preparing them to work with pets, livestock, and wildlife commonly found in Northern Ontario. By doing this, they provide crucial support to pet owners, farmers, and large-animal producers within rural, remote and Indigenous communities where veterinary services can be hard to come by.

“To have people who have the same experiences, have been through the same struggles that the northern communities face with veterinary medicine – it’s really helpful knowing that I’m not alone and that there are others who are sharing these challenges and we can work together to fix them,” said Shanelle Berthier from Timmins, ON. Berthier began her journey at OVC in fall 2025 as part of CDVMP’s inaugural northern cohort.

“These are our future coworkers,” Berthier added. “We will all be back in the North soon helping each other with different cases and reaching out for support.”

Julia Heyder from Thunder Bay grew up on a hobby farm; she noted that OVC has opened her eyes to various aspects of veterinary practice including emergency medicine-a service she considers a “luxury” up North. She described CDVMP as a “monumental first step” toward providing desperately needed care in Northern Ontario.

Hands-on training for day one readiness

Students will receive solid medical and surgical skills training so they can succeed across different practice settings

A major focus for OVC is ensuring that CDVMP students get strong medical and surgical skills training necessary for success across varied practice environments. Plans for a state-of-the-art Medical and Surgical Learning Centre (MSLC) at the University of Guelph will play a vital role in enhancing hands-on learning experiences related to surgery, medicine, dentistry and clinical skills so that students gain confidence throughout their studies.

The MSLC will also house Kim and Stu Lang Community Healthcare Partnership Program (CHPP), established back in 2019. This initiative deepens collaboration between OVC and community partners such as First Nations groups and various animal welfare organizations like Humane Societies and Ontario SPCA. These partnerships are crucial for student learning while ensuring that OVC stays aligned with changing needs within veterinary care.

“Both our students and the veterinary profession have made it clear what they need: graduates who feel confident and competent enough to start practicing right away,” said Dr. Jeffrey Wichtel OVC’s dean.

“This modern learning environment will greatly enhance how our students build clinical confidence.”

“The Collaborative Doctor of Veterinary Medicine Program creates a future where geography no longer hinders access to veterinary education for those living up North,” explained Dr. Gillian Siddall president & vice-chancellor of Lakehead University.”By educating future veterinarians locally we’re not just opening doors but also boosting economic prosperity across our region.”

Philanthropic partnership powering progress

An artist’s rendering shows how we envision the Medical & Surgical Learning Centre (MSLC)

The growth seen within CDVMP reflects ongoing support provided by Kim & Stu Lang whose dedication towards improving access spans many years now. So far , they’ve contributed $20 million towards supporting this program making it possible expand capacity , foster community engagement , and develop infrastructure enabling graduates tackle real-world challenges faced when working natively

Last year , the Langs donated $10 million towards building Gakina Awesiinyag which translates roughly into “All Animals Place For”. This facility will become integral component early stages training offered under cdvmp program while encouraging involvement among local residents.

More recently, Langs granted another$10 Million grant via ovc pet trust meant help construct msic bringing overall fundraising effort upto75% completion allowing university proceed construction planning phase!

“We feel incredibly thankful towards kim&Stu lang due excellent partnership w/university guelph progressing mission improve life.” said dr rene vanacker president/vice chancellor “. Their generosity enhances university guelphs ability educate next generation veterinarians increasing accessibility issue presented underserved populations throughout ontario!”

A passion for animal welfare – along side its community !

A longstanding member advisory board since2009 kimlang advocates initiatives aid those unable afford vet care believing importance incorporating community vet practices throughout curriculum furthers efforts assist animals needing critical attention whilst simultaneously aiding beloved companions involved!

“Stu And I absolutely adore animals understanding firsthand how stressful it becomes when dealing sickness or injury-especially without available options treatment-it could truly break hearts ! We’re beyond delighted stand behind this impactful program targeting gaps within existing services all over ontario.” remarked kimplang.

Support The Medical And Surgical Learning Center

If you wish contribute mslc or any other ovc pet trust projects please reach out learn more about opportunities available partner philanthropy!

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