Federal Policy

Veterinarians and animal health technicians are not currently eligible for the Canada Student Loan Forgiveness Program, despite significant shortages of veterinary professionals in rural, remote and underserved communities. The exclusion of these essential professionals limits the effectiveness of the program as a rural workforce recruitment and retention tool and contributes to ongoing gaps in livestock health services, disease surveillance, emergency response capacity and animal care.

Provincial Policy

Current policies and regulations within Primary and Preventative Health Services in Alberta restrict billing and referral privileges primarily to physicians and other regulated health professionals. This limits access to timely, preventative, and rehabilitative care for injured workers and those needing referral services, especially in rural and underserved areas.

Workforce Development - Provincial Policy

There is a need for integrated, effective, and efficient mental wellness support in the workplace for Alberta businesses. Mental health issues and concerns continue to cost businesses and the economy in both financial and human terms. Traditional solutions are not addressing the increasing need, and new and innovative approaches are needed to assist in dealing with the acceleration of mental health issues.