THUNDER BAY — The Ontario government is investing $2 million to help Lakehead University in Thunder Bay build a facility for its new Collaborative Doctor of Veterinary Medicine Program. As part of its plan to protect Ontario, the government is investing in programs, including veterinary services, that will help students acquire the skills they need for good-paying, in-demand jobs and meet the needs of Ontario’s workforce. Access to veterinary care is essential for Northern Ontario’s growing agriculture industry, which directly employs over 27,000 people.
“Once completed, the large animal education facility at Lakehead University will serve as a key hub to train future veterinarians serving Northern Ontario,” said Trevor Jones, Minister of Agriculture, Food and Agribusiness. “By investing in this program, our government is helping address vet shortages across rural and remote communities while keeping the northern agri-food industry strong.”
“Through a number of programs and investments, our government has worked to ensure northern farmers and pet owners have access to veterinary services when they need them,” said George Pirie, Minister of Northern Economic Development and Growth. “Through strategic investments such as this one, we are building a stronger, more competitive and self-reliant Northern Ontario.”
Lakehead University, in partnership with the University of Guelph, will use the funding provided through the Northern Ontario Heritage Fund Corporation (NOHFC) to build a new facility and purchase equipment essential to providing hands-on, practical veterinary education to students. The facility will host animal housing for cows, horses and sheep, as well as provide associated clinical examination space to support student learning.
“Lakehead University was built by the community to serve the community, and for 60 years we’ve driven social and economic progress across Northern Ontario,” said Dr. Gillian Siddall, President and Vice-Chancellor of Lakehead University. “With the support of the Northern Ontario Heritage Fund Corporation and the Government of Ontario, we’re addressing critical veterinary shortages—particularly in the agri-food sector—by training future veterinarians to serve rural, northern and Indigenous communities across the province.”
As of June 2025, the government is refocusing funding through the NOHFC to support projects that strengthen the economy and help sectors and communities respond to economic challenges in the face of U.S. tariffs. This new direction for the NOHFC will include focusing investments on projects that respond rapidly to emerging issues in sectors and communities impacted by U.S. tariffs. Funding will also focus on supporting economic growth, innovation and creating and maintaining jobs in Northern Ontario for the long-term.
Quick Facts
- Through its funding programs, the NOHFC offers support to public and private sector economic development projects across Northern Ontario.
- Since June 2018, the NOHFC has invested more than $905 million in 7,309 projects in Northern Ontario, leveraging more than $2.8 billion in investment and creating or sustaining over 11,210 jobs.
- In January 2025, the Ontario government announced an investment of an additional $30 million over three years beginning in 2025–26, bringing the NOHFC’s annual budget to a total of $110 million. This funding will serve as a catalyst for further economic development and growth in the North and support the expansion of NOHFC programming eligibility to the District of Muskoka.
Additional Resources
- The NOHFC, Northern Development Offices and Small Business Enterprise Centres support northern communities, businesses and other stakeholders in identifying economic development opportunities and government funding programs.
- Ontario’s Veterinary Assistance Program (VAP) provides financial support to large animal veterinary services in applicable communities to help maintain a viable livestock industry.
Quotes
“Ontario’s North plays a vital role in our province’s livestock and agriculture sector. Through this critical investment, our government is ensuring that students in Lakehead University’s Collaborative Doctor of Veterinary Medicine Program, delivered in partnership with the University of Guelph’s Ontario Veterinary College, are able to deliver excellent animal care to support northern businesses, farms and families for decades to come.” – Nolan Quinn, Minister of Colleges, Universities, Research Excellence and Security
“This groundbreaking initiative marks a transformative investment in the future of Northern Ontario. By bringing veterinary education closer to home, we’re addressing critical gaps in care for livestock, pets and wildlife needs that are essential to both our agricultural sector and the overall well-being of our communities. I’m proud that our government is supporting this first of its kind program at Lakehead University, which will train skilled veterinarians and help strengthen the fabric of our rural and northern communities for generations to come.” – Kevin Holland, MPP for Thunder Bay – Atikokan
“The Government of Ontario’s investment in the Collaborative Doctor of Veterinary Medicine Program is a pivotal step in enhancing veterinary education across the province. Together, the University of Guelph and Lakehead University are building a stronger, healthier future for Northern Ontario’s rural and Indigenous communities and the agricultural sector.” – Dr. Rene Van Acker, Interim President and Vice-Chancellor, University of Guelph
“This September, at the University of Guelph, we are excited to welcome the inaugural northern cohort into our Doctor of Veterinary Medicine Program. This marks an exciting expansion to our program so we can train veterinarians to practice in Northern Ontario. We are grateful to the Government of Ontario for its support and we take immense pride in ensuring the next generation of veterinarians are future-ready with a focus on clinical excellence, compassion and community service.” – Dr. Jeffrey Wichtel, Dean, Ontario Veterinary College, University of Guelph
| Media Contact
Sam McCormick, Minister’s Office Media Desk, Communications Branch
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