During question period on post-secondary education, Conservative MP David Bexte asked why veterinarians and animal health technicians, which he said are in short supply and critical to agriculture, are not covered under the Canada student loan forgiveness program the way some other professions are. Minister Patty Hajdu replied that a new veterinary school is opening at Lakehead University in her riding, that the government continues to work with provinces and territories on affordability, and that student loans and grants are now 40% higher. Mr. Bexte said the minister had avoided his question and restated his point about vets and animal health technicians.Written by AI from the debate. Updated .
3 statements
“The government is avoiding my question. Veterinarians and animal health workers do important work.”
“Mr. Speaker, talk about avoiding the answer. Veterinarians and animal health technicians play a critical role in — Some hon. members: Oh, oh!”
Mr. Speaker, talk about avoiding the answer. Veterinarians and animal health technicians play a critical role in — Some hon. members: Oh, oh!
“We do not have enough vets and animal health techs. The government forgives student loans for other workers, but not for them. I want the minister to explain why.”
“Mr. Speaker, the minister avoided the answer. Veterinarians and animal health technicians play a critical role in the Canadian agriculture system, and they are in short supply. Neither vets nor animal health techs are covered under the Canada student loan forgiveness program, unlike other professionals. Can the minister explain why these vital professions are not being treated the same?”
Mr. Speaker, the minister avoided the answer. Veterinarians and animal health technicians play a critical role in the Canadian agriculture system, and they are in short supply. Neither vets nor animal health techs are covered under the Canada student loan forgiveness program, unlike other professionals. Can the minister explain why these vital professions are not being treated the same?
“A new vet school is opening in my riding to help people get care for their animals. We are working to make school affordable. The member should support our student loans and grants, which are 40% higher now.”
“Mr. Speaker, I am thrilled that in my riding, Lakehead University is opening a new vet school in partnership with Guelph. It is very exciting news for the many people in my riding who are waiting to access veterinarian care. We will continue to work with provinces and territories on making sure that education is affordable. One way the member can help is to stop voting against Canada student loans and grants, which are 40% higher in the current government.”
Government answer in Question Period
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None of this answer addressed the specific question that was asked.
See full analysisMr. Speaker, I am thrilled that in my riding, Lakehead University is opening a new vet school in partnership with Guelph. It is very exciting news for the many people in my riding who are waiting to access veterinarian care. We will continue to work with provinces and territories on making sure that education is affordable. One way the member can help is to stop voting against Canada student loans and grants, which are 40% higher in the current government.
