(Image Credit: Jett Schwaier/CHAT News)

By Jett Schwaier

SMILE SUNDAYS

Scholarship funding over $75,000 launched to support future rural veterinarians in Southeast Alberta

Mar 15, 2026 | 6:01 AM

The Community Foundation of Southeastern Alberta, with the Palliser Economic Partnership (PEP), has announced the Southeast Alberta Veterinary Scholarship Fund to support future veterinarians and improve access to animal health services in rural communities.

Established by PEP, the fund is intended to support students pursuing post-secondary studies in veterinary medicine while encouraging graduates to consider careers in rural communities across the region.

The total amount raised at the PEP fundraiser for the scholarship is $77,448.

The chair of the Palliser Economic Partnership, Arno Doerksen, said the fund provides support for veterinarians to come back and work in Southeastern Alberta.

“I think it’s a good shot in the arm for the area, because I think shortage of veterinarians has been an ongoing concern,” Doerksen said.

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“As this fund grows. It’s an open fund, so there’s opportunity for people to continue to contribute to it,” he added.

“We had great support for the initiative to support veterinarians from both the business community and municipalities throughout the region.”

Nikki Gray, executive director of the Community Foundation of Southeastern Alberta, said the scholarship is held at the foundation, and contributions can be made by anyone.

“It will help to support students who plan to pursue their practice of veterinary medicine within a Southeast Alberta community,” Gray said.

“Just a huge thank you to all of those who already have, and will continue to contribute to the scholarship fund, and to the representatives from the Palliser Economic Partnership.”

Officials say contributions will help grow the scholarship over time and expand opportunities for students pursuing veterinary careers connected to rural practice.