Funding Renewed to Help Internationally Trained Vets
August 03, 2012 - News Release
Renewed provincial funding announced today will help internationally trained veterinarians obtain licensure and continue their careers in Ontario.
The provincial government will provide $945,000 to the Veterinary Skills, Training and Enhancement Program (VSTEP). VSTEP was developed in 2005 as a joint venture between the University of Guelph’s Ontario Veterinary College (OVC), the College of Veterinarians of Ontario and the Ontario Veterinary Medical Association, along with the Ontario Ministry of Citizenship and Immigration.
The program — the only one of its kind in Canada — supports the retraining of individuals who wish to become licensed to practise in Ontario.
“This partnership is benefiting individual veterinarians, the profession and society at large,” said Kerry Lissemore, OVC’s associate dean (academic) and a member of the VSTEP leadership board.
VSTEP is one of 70 “bridge training” projects supported by the Ontario government to meet labour market needs in key professions.
Announcing the funding Friday at U of G, Guelph MPP Liz Sandals said, “Skilled newcomers in our community will benefit from these bridge training projects by getting the training, skills and support they need to help them fast-track their way into the workforce. They are an essential part of strengthening Ontario’s economy.”
More than 100 veterinarians have already participated in the program.
Alec Martin, a 1984 OVC graduate who manages the program, said, “VSTEP provides the structure to prepare for the licensing exams. It also introduces these veterinarians to Ontario and Canadian professional networks.”
For media questions, contact Communications and Public Affairs: Lori Bona Hunt, 519-824-4120, Ext. 53338, or lhunt@uoguelph.ca, or Shiona Mackenzie, Ext. 56982, or shiona@uoguelph.ca.
