The provincial government announced that they are expanding eligibility for the Saskatchewan Loan Forgiveness program for veterinarians and veterinary technologists.

Any Saskatchewan veterinary practice that offers veterinary services to livestock stakeholders from rural or remote communities is now eligible. Previously cities like Regina and Saskatoon were not eligible.

The expansion is intended to attract veterinary professionals to work in rural areas by forgiving a portion of their Saskatchewan Student Loan debt for up to five years to a maximum of $20,000.

To qualify for the program, a minimum of 400 hours of services over twelve months.

“We recognize that the veterinarian shortages in rural Saskatchewan will take ongoing collaboration to resolve,” Agriculture Minister David Marit said. “The Government of Saskatchewan takes this issue seriously and is committed to continuing to find additional solutions.”

The Loan Forgiveness for veterinarians and veterinary technologists program was announced in 2021 and began accepting applications on January 1, 2022.