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Message from the SVMA President
Dr Sarah Allin
As we approach the end of 2022 we are taking some time to reflect on the year and activities of the SVMA. Our profession is facing many challenges, some new and some that have been developing over many years. It is both an overwhelming and potentially exciting time for all of us in the field of veterinary medicine.
In 2022 council began to meet regularly in person again, after many zoom meetings since spring of 2020. Council has had many discussions on how best to re-engage members after the lack of interaction brought about by the COVID 19 pandemic and associated restrictions. Re-defining terms of reference for committees and working towards improving member communication and services has been a priority in the past year.
SVMA and SAVT executives held joint meetings in 2022 to attempt to work on issues of importance to both associations. Working together as an entire profession will be increasingly important in these challenging times we are all facing.
The Workforce shortage has been a topic of discussion for many years, in particular concerns with recruitment and retention of DVMs and RVTs in rural practice. Since the changes brought about during the pandemic we’ve seen this problem rapidly spread to one that involves the entire profession, along with increasing concerns surrounding provision of after hours care. Council members have been involved in stakeholder meetings arranged by government to discuss possible solutions for Saskatchewan practices and clients. Our registrar has been participating meetings of a subcommittee of the CCVR to address concerns regarding after hours care across Canada and help to bring possible solutions back to Saskatchewan. In June I was able to attend the CVMA Workforce Shortage meeting in Ottawa. Veterinary groups from across Canada met to discuss the problem and possible solutions. It was exciting to hear the many innovative solutions that are already being worked on and to help make plans for new initiatives.
In September we were happy to host our first in person conference and AGM since 2019. It was great to be able to network and interact with colleagues again. At the AGM we asked for written suggestions from the membership for initiatives to address recruitment and retention of veterinary professionals. Thank you to everyone who participated and submitted responses. They were all compiled into a presentation that executive council made in a meeting with the Minister of Advanced Education in October. The concern and response from the Minister was very positive. Council continues to plan meetings with government and other stakeholders to work on initiatives to aid in retention of veterinary professionals in this province. The government announcements at the WCVM at the end of September that 5 new Saskatchewan seats would be added, and further reform to the loan forgiveness program were exciting and positive for the profession.
On December 9 I attended the annual APAS (Agricultural Producers Association of Saskatchewan) meeting in Saskatoon, along with Dr. Gillian Muir Dean of WCVM and Dr. Stephanie Smith Chief Veterinary Officer, to participate in a panel discussion about the Veterinary Workforce Shortage. The response from producers was overall very positive. Our profession is supported by producer groups who are concerned about our situation and want to work together toward positive solutions for everyone.
As we approach 2023 council is excited and motivated to move forward, working on establishing better relationships and communication within our profession, as well as with government and stakeholders. We wish all of our membership a wonderful holiday season!
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