Strategy 2026 cont ’ d CVO Annual Report 2024 | 9
Partnering for improved access to veterinary services
Access to veterinary services is central to animal health and welfare . An increase in public demand for veterinary services and a shift in working hours have contributed to challenges impacting access to veterinary services across North America .
Limited licensure : In collaboration with the other veterinary regulators across Canada , the College has been developing new competency assessment tools that will allow experienced internationally educated veterinarians to seek a limited licence in equine , production animal , or companion animal practice . This new licensure pathway , once approved , will assist in qualifying more veterinarians more quickly . These individuals will receive general licences with limitations enabling them to practise in those areas where they have demonstrated competencies . The tools have been developed and are currently being piloted by candidates and assessors in Ontario and Alberta . Tools are being tested for validity , reliability , and defensibility , and that they ensure the College is maintaining its essential duties related to public protection . We look forward to receiving the evaluation report to determine if these tools are suitable as a new pathway to licensure in Ontario .
Team-based care : The College is working with our partners to share opportunities that will strengthen teamwork between veterinarians and veterinary technicians , under the Veterinary Professionals Act . Several communications have been published with a focus on team-based care . The College is attentive to leadership and partnership opportunities to influence discussions and actions around team-based care .
Balancing available health care options and client access to veterinary care : In 2023 , the College Council approved its position on balancing access to veterinary care with options . Council ’ s position is that veterinarians consider available care options along a spectrum that requires the veterinarian and the client to weigh various factors to determine the appropriate course of action in every case . The choices along a spectrum will vary depending upon circumstances and may include end-of-life decisions . Council supports and encourages all veterinarians to determine , with their clients , the appropriate care options for each presenting case . This year , the College shared communications , including articles , a town hall , and a podcast , to reinforce the value in practising along a spectrum of care and also to emphasize that the College does not require or expect a gold standard of care .
Language skills evaluation project : A project is underway to set new language benchmarks for veterinary medicine in Ontario so the College can meet its legislated requirements under the Fair Access to Regulated Professions and Compulsory Trades Act related to language proficiency testing .
Jurisprudence exam : The College completed revision of the Jurisprudence Exam , guided by an Advisory Group supporting the continuous improvement of the exam . A revised version of the exam was introduced in July 2024 . The College also began offering the jurisprudence exam in specific testing windows in the spring of 2024 . The move to exam windows enables the College to find a balance with offering the exam regularly , while ensuring the exam remains current and relevant . With the introduction of exam windows , the exam re-attempt policy was revised ; applicants are permitted one exam attempt in a single exam window .