College Connection Summer 2025 | Page 2

College Connection | Summer 2025

Legacy Council welcomes Ontario Fairness Commissioner

The Legacy Council met on June 18, 2025. Highlights and replays from policy discussions are available at cvo. org / Council. Legacy Council meets again in September. Council considered the following items at its June meeting.

Presentation: Ontario Fairness Commissioner

The Legacy Council welcomed Irwin Glasberg, the Ontario Fairness Commissioner, who delivered a presentation on fair and innovative registration practices. Mr. Glasberg shared information on legal obligations under the Fair Access to Regulated Professions and Compulsory Trades Act. These recent changes are intended to reduce barriers internationally trained and domestic labour mobility applicants may encounter in their career journeys.

The commissioner recognized the College’ s work to address labour market shortages through the limited licensure project, to enhance accountability for third party assessments, and to meet the 30- day limit for domestic labour mobility applicants and the six-month limit for internationally trained individuals.

A replay of the Commissioner’ s presentation is available on the College website.

Policy: Antimicrobial Stewardship Project Update

One Health is one of the College’ s strategic priorities, and includes a focus on educating licensed members on antimicrobial stewardship. In the fall, the Legacy Council approved a campaign that aims to raise awareness of antimicrobial stewardship, and to shape prescribing behaviors and choices of veterinarians to reduce the use of publicly important antimicrobial drugs in animals.

ACER Consulting is investigating the current prescribing practices and behaviours of veterinarians, particularly in the equine and companion animal sectors. This work includes a literature review and interviews with field experts. Next, they will hold a series of focus groups with veterinarians. The Legacy Council received an update and a replay of the presentation is available on the College website.

Strategy 2026

The Legacy Council agenda included a report on achievements in Strategy 2026, the College’ s current strategic plan. In the second year of Strategy 2026, work has continued on its evolution to the College of Veterinary Professionals of Ontario.

As well, under partnering to improve access to veterinary services, achievements include the limited licensure project, a podcast series on team-based care, and promotion of spectrum of care. In innovation and technology, the Ontario Veterinary Regulatory Innovation Panel continues to provide advice on supporting innovation in veterinary practice in Ontario, including publishing guidance on the use of artificial intelligence in veterinary medicine.

In One Health, the College is excited to be engaging with the Mattawa First Nations to support improved access to veterinary care in northern Ontario First Nations communities, as well as moving ahead on the antimicrobial

Councillor appreciation

At the June meeting, College President Dr. Jessica Retterath extended appreciation to Rena Spevack, who has concluded her term on Council. A retired veterinarian, Rena was appointed to Council by the Ontario government. Rena served on the Legacy and Transition Councils and chaired the Complaints Committee.

stewardship project.

In the objective that focuses regulation on people and context, achievements include ongoing work on the Ontario Collaborative for Well-being in Veterinary Medicine, as well as IDEA training for Council, committees, and staff. The Legacy Council approved various tactics for the third year of Strategy 2026. Strategy 2026 is available on the College website.

cvo. org / Council

Public confidence in veterinary regulation cvo. org 2