6
CVO ANNUAL REPORT 2018
Leadership Message
The world of profession-based regulation is changing – it has been for some
time. The concept of self-regulation, in particular, is under great public
scrutiny across Canada and internationally. There is an insistence that the
model requires greater oversight with a sharper focus on practice risk and on
practitioner competence.
The College Council, the leadership
representatives of the discussion on veterinary
medicine and regulation in Ontario, has
been well-immersed in this debate and
considering, very carefully, its mandate
and responsibility in 2018 and beyond.
Regulators across professions are being called
to account. Our performance must relate to
risk. Our job is to understand the current and
emerging risks to veterinary practice and, with
those in mind, implement the best strategies to
mitigate harm. And further, when considering
the necessary safeguards, with whom should
we partner for solutions and how are the
least invasive but most effective solutions
determined, implemented and evaluated?
To this end the Council has published its
position on being an effective regulator
and its desire to build a trustworthy
relationship with the people of Ontario.
Our vision clearly and simply states this
direction – Instilling public confidence in
veterinary regulation. In advancing this
vision, Council has been strengthening
its work in several key areas.
Strength in Strategic
Decision-Making:
• introducing new tools to evaluate strategic
risks and assure immediate policy attention;
• focusing on innovative solutions to the
challenges of antimicrobial stewardship;
• paving a pathway for technology and
telemedicine in veterinary medicine; and
• facilitating collaborative dialogue with
government, associations, academia
and other regulatory organizations
Strength in Voice:
• introducing two new independent
advisory panels (one public, one
practice) to provide frank perspective
to Council on a variety of topics;
• utilizing independent surveys to measure
our progress and shape our future; and
• securing funding to study the current
needs of internationally trained
veterinarians in the licensure process