College Connection | Spring 2024
College Council focuses on modernized legislation
College Connection | Spring 2024
COUNCIL NEWS
CVO . ORG / COUNCIL
College Council focuses on modernized legislation
The College Council met on March 20 & 21 , 2024 . The public is welcome to attend Council proceedings in-person or to watch via the livestream . Council highlights and replays from policy discussions are available on the College website . The following items were considered by Council in March .
Legislative Reform
College staff provided Council with a thorough overview of The Enhancing Professional Care for Animals Act , which was tabled in the provincial legislature early in March . The legislation will provide our new governing framework .
Components of the draft legislation , include recognition of veterinary technicians ’ skills on the veterinary team ; modernized governance , including a mandatory quality assurance program ; increased transparency and efficiency in investigations and their resolutions ; and improved access to veterinary care , including low-risk health care options . A replay of this informative and exciting presentation is available on the College website .
By-Law Changes – Licence Application Fee , Jurisprudence Exam Fee , Outstanding Fees
Council reviewed and discussed the feedback received during the consultation on the proposed changes to the licence application fee , the jurisprudence exam fee , and outstanding fees .
Council approved the proposed fee increases which will help manage the necessary costs associated with each activity . Thank you to everyone who participated in the consultation – your feedback was helpful and appreciated .
By-Law Changes – Election of Council Members
As the College moves towards new legislation , there will be a period of time when the existing Council will tend to the mandate in the Veterinarians Act and there will also be a transitional Council that will include current councillors , appointed veterinary technicians and additional public members . The transitional Council will develop new processes under the new Act .
Following discussion , Council decided to approve , for consultation , a By-Laws amendment that would extend the terms of current professional Council members until the new Act receives final proclamation . The consultation is now open on the proposed change to the By-Laws . Council will review the consultation feedback at its June meeting .
Veterinary Practice Community Reference Panel
Council was pleased to have members of the Veterinary Practice Community Reference Panel join Council to share their insight . The College has had Community Reference Panels – one with public members and one with veterinarians - since 2018 .
The panels meet regularly and share their thoughts on policy matters .
Council welcomed their input on trends that are relevant to Council ’ s work , how the panel can best support Council in their role , and the importance of the profession ’ s voice in the College ’ s work .
Presentation on The Future of Farms
Council welcomed dairy veterinarian Dr . Kristen Edwards ; dairy farmer Ethan Wallace , of the Ontario Federation of Agriculture ; and beef farmer Robert McKinlay , of the Beef Farmers of Ontario , to further Council ’ s understanding of the cattle industry in Ontario .
They discussed various challenges such as access to veterinary medicine , the need to increase use of veterinary technicians , the wellbeing of farmers , vulnerability of the supply chain , public perceptions , antimicrobial stewardship , and data and technology in farming today . Council appreciated their perspectives .
Next meeting & highlights
Council meets next on April 19 , 2024 for a special Council meeting and again on June 19 , 2024 for the next regular meeting . The agenda and meeting package are posted on the College website prior to the meeting . Council minutes and archives from past meetings are also available .
cvo . org / Council
Public confidence in veterinary regulation cvo . org 2