Annual Report 2018 | Page 10

10 CVO ANNUAL REPORT 2018 Licensure The College ensures veterinarians have the education and competence required to practise safely in Ontario. When a veterinarian initially completes an application for licensure, the College reviews his/her education, training, employment and practice history. The applicant also provides information on his/her health, previous conduct and character. When the applicant fulfills all registration requirements, including an exam, he/she is granted a licence to practice veterinary medicine in Ontario. The specific requirements to qualify for licensure are set out in the Veterinarians Act and Regulation 1093. If an applicant does not meet all the requirements, the application is referred to the Registration Committee for consideration. The Registration Committee strives to ensure equitable access to the profession and that licences are only granted to applicants who are competent to practise veterinary medicine in Ontario and meet requirements that protect the public interest. Licences are renewed annually. The renewal process provides the College with current information about its licensed members, such as place of employment, employment function and areas of practice. The number of licences issued annually by the College has increased by 22%, or 900 licences, over the past 10 years.