V.S.I. Services Program
In the mid 1960’s the economics of veterinary practice in northern Alberta did not encourage veterinarians to establish there; in response to this problem, the Alberta Government agreed to establish veterinary clinics in selected areas. The Veterinary Association worked with local governments to establish a system of payment to veterinarians who performed services on farm animals. V.S.I. Services is a non-profit organization that was formed to help assure farmers that veterinary service would be available to them.
The M.D. of Peace pays an annual fee, out of which V.S.I. Services pays the veterinary clinics for 50% of the farmer’s bill for approved services (on cattle, hogs, sheep, goats, bison, elk). Each member Municipality holds a membership in the non-profit organization, as do the participating veterinarians.
The M.D. of Peace provides V.S.I. cards, upon request, to the following:
- anyone who is a resident of the M.D. of Peace for 6 months
- landowner in the M.D. of Peace
- a lessee of a crown grazing lease in the M.D. of Peace
When requesting a V.S.I. card, you must be prepared to give the Municipal staff your Social Insurance Number, as anyone who receives more than $100/year in V.S.I. credit will receive an AGR-1 form from the Municipality which must be claimed on the income tax return.
V.S.I. Program Cap
MD Council has approved the Ag. Service Board recommendation to put a spending cap in place for services provided under the V.S.I. Program. The maximum amount allowable per producer will be $1,800 per year. Any amount incurred over that will be billed back to the producer.