Consultation Document July 2017 | Page 9

Rationale During the consultation and research phase of the development of the College’s Strategic Plan from 2014 to 2017, it became abundantly clear that the existing Veterinarians Act was neither current nor sufficiently robust to meet the public protection needs of modern and evolving veterinary medicine. Delays and inefficiencies in the complaints investigation process, lack of transparency of information relevant to the public in determining choices related to veterinary care, the absence of a mandatory quality assurance program, the increasing challenge in managing unlawful veterinary practice, and a real need to focus on potential risks and harm to animals within a regulatory scheme, compelled the College Council to proceed with studying the need for change. In addition, the need to better consider the delivery of veterinary medicine as a system, rather than as a single provider, was evident. Veterinary technicians are now well-established within the delivery model in Ontario and the role of delegation and of accountability are increasingly at the forefront of patient outcomes. Achieving a Modern Approach to the Regulation of Veterinary Medicine in Ontario RATIONALE FOR REVIEW OF THE LEGISLATION Last but not least, public expectation and values are shifting the expectations of professional regulation. Nimbleness and responsiveness to changes in practice, ease of direct access and choice in provider, safe implementation of innovative approaches to diagnosis and treatment, and making rules only as needed and demonstrated by evidence, are clear messages to regulators across any profession. As a result, this review has culminated in a series of recommended changes to the Veterinarians Act, which are intended to modernize its regulatory framework and allow a more responsive and effective approach to regulating veterinary medicine in Ontario. Achieving a Modern Approach to the Regulation of Veterinary Medicine in Ontario  9