COUNCIL NEWS
DIVERSITY STATEMENT
COLLEGE APPROVES STATEMENT ON INCLUSION
The College Council approved a diversity statement and action plan at its March meeting .
The public statement reflects the College ’ s commitment to embrace diversity , equity and inclusion while denouncing systemic discrimination on any grounds . The statement includes an action plan to foster partnerships and processes that reduce bias and racism and promote equity .
The statement is a result of the College ’ s work to implement the recommendations of the Customer Diversity Task Force . The task force reported to Council in December 2020 on its work to review the delivery of College services and resources to veterinarians with consideration to gender , race and generation .
Our Commitment to Inclusion
The College of Veterinarians of Ontario condemns acts of discrimination on any grounds , and aims to deliver its mandate in a fair , transparent , responsive and empathic manner . The College embraces diversity , equity and inclusion as fundamental to your full and meaningful participation in the College ’ s mandate to serve the public interest .
The College , its Council , its committees and its staff actively promote inclusion and respect for diversity in our processes and procedures . Vigilance is essential to ensure equity at all levels of our decision making . In its work to license veterinarians , accredit veterinary facilities , resolve complaints and assure quality practice , the College earns the public trust by focussing on the competence of all its licensed members .
We are committed to seeking improved opportunities to reflect and engage our diverse community . As we better understand one another ’ s lived experiences , we will continue to reduce those barriers that impact our regulatory practices and mandate .
Our action plan includes :
1 . To promote and strengthen our organizational culture to be person-centered and compassionate ,
2 . To conduct an independent review of College processes and practices to identify and address bias and systemic racism ,
3 . To identify and implement initiatives that promote humility and respect amongst veterinary professionals , and
4 . To collaborate with our stakeholders and contribute to solutions advocating for changes that address discrimination in the sector .
GOOD GOVERNANCE
REVIEW BEGINS ON COMPETENCY BASE FOR COUNCIL
The College Council has enjoyed the dedicated and important contributions of its professional and public members through the years .
The Council is committed to effective regulation and governance excellence . In keeping with that commitment , Council will be reviewing the potential for competency-based Councils and Committees . The intention of this review is to strengthen diversity where possible and articulate the competencies that are particular to the role of a councillor .
Profession-based regulators have been discussing the appropriate composition and size of governing boards for years .
Competent governors are central to good governance . Further , the size of Council should enable robust decision-making .
The College consistently benefits from the innovation and experience of other regulatory bodies . Over the past 10 years , there have been examples of professionbased regulators succumbing to professional self-interest and a declining focus on public interest . Further , there have been reviews across Canada which brought board composition and competence to the forefront .
The College has been actively engaged in good governance principles and practice since 2012 . This includes attention to orientation , codes of conduct , education , evaluation , and capacity building .
The review will be undertaken by an independent third party and the report is expected to return to Council this fall .
Instilling public confidence in veterinary regulation cvo . org 3