Sorry I dont want to cloud up this message with quotes so I'll sort of address everyone.
Aside from the chance that I get a scholarship, there is little chance that I will end up going regardless. I'm not that crazy. Veterinarians dont make enough, and the debt is even worse considering klmy first four years as a vet would be on a PhD stipend. I'll probably move provinces to get a better shot at a school that fits me better.
As to the importance of name, you're right but who you know is significantly affected by where you go.
As to UCVM and its research, I'm not really impressed with the school or its research output, especially when you compare it to UC Davis, Cornell, RVC, NCSU etc. And despite what you said about good output for food animal research my experience as a basic scientist at UCVM was terrible. Basic scientists were looked down upon and treated with less respect by a lot of people.
Being a clinician, the school you graduate from matters little, but I dont think that's the case for clinician scientists.
Edit:
Also I wanted to be a researcher before a veterinarian. In large part I want the clinical foundation so that my research can be applied properly. You often have clinicians that dont know anything about research, and basic scientists who know nothing about clinical work. Clinician scientists bridge that gap.