COUNCIL APPROVES 2022 BUDGET , WORKS ON POLICY
COUNCIL NEWS
SEPTEMBER COUNCIL MEETING
COUNCIL APPROVES 2022 BUDGET , WORKS ON POLICY
The College Council continues to meet via videoconference . The public is welcome to tune in to the proceedings through a livestream link . Meeting replays , highlights and minutes are posted on the College website as soon as they are available .
Presentation – Social Justice and the Changing Face of Veterinary Medicine
The Council was pleased to welcome Dr . Karen Ward , of the Toronto Humane Society , and Dr . Shane Bateman , of the Ontario Veterinary College , who delivered a presentation on social justice and the changing face of veterinary medicine . The presenters discussed whether access to veterinary care may be a social justice issue as the benefits of pet ownership are potentially limited to those who can afford to access care for their pets . Their presentation also shared information on not for profit models for veterinary care . A replay of the presentation is available on the College ’ s website .
Trends & Council Roundtable
Council is attentive to the significant shortage of veterinarians and the current challenges for the public in accessing veterinary services as well as the pressure and strain veterinarians are experiencing .
Other topics presented during the roundtable discussion included the shortage in pet food ; abandonment of animals ; vaccinations in the workplace ; and the current length of time to resolve complaints .
2022 Budget
College Council approved its budget for 2022 . Council will not be increasing any fees this year . A significant change in 2022 will be the College ’ s transition to leased space for its Guelph office .
As well , the budget includes the reintroduction of the College ’ s programs and meetings which had been on hold during the pandemic .
Per Diems
Council increased the per diem rate to $ 600 per day for those individuals who support the College ’ s work by participating on Council and committees .
Public Policy – Veterinarian-Client- Patient Relationship
In policy work , Council reviewed potential amendments to its practice standard on the veterinarian-client-patient relationship . The objectives of the changes are to modify the expectation for when a veterinarian is discontinuing services to a client and to streamline the language in relation to prescribing and dispensing , as those expectations are now detailed in other policy documents . Following discussion , Council decided to return the draft to staff for further development .
Public Policy – Caveat Emptor
Council has been considering whether it has a role in informing the public about the risks and benefits associated with different animal care options available to the public that are outside of the College ’ s control .
This discussion evolved from Council ’ s work on forms of energy in the treatment of animals and the use of non-conventional therapies in the practice of veterinary medicine . Following discussion of materials presented , Council is proceeding with development of a position statement and will continue to look at this concept in its shared care working group .
HOMEWOOD HEALTH PROGRAM
Confidential Ontario Toll-free Line : 1-866-750-3207
The College has partnered with Homewood Health to link veterinarians to resources to support their health , well-being and resilience . Veterinarians who need support are encouraged to contact Homewood Health for assistance .
Stay Well - Your health is important to your competence .
4 College Connection Fall 2021 cvo . org