Existing Provisions
The Veterinarians Act provides that the Minister’s powers include the power to:
Modernizing the
Governance
of the College
(a) review the activities of the Council;
(b) request the Council to undertake activities that, in the opinion of the
Minister, are necessary and advisable to carry out the intent of this Act;
(c) advise the Council with respect to the implementation of this Act
and the regulations and with respect to the methods used or proposed
to be used by the Council to implement policies and to enforce its
regulations and procedures;
(d) request the Council to make, amend or revoke regulations
respecting any matter under section 7 or the standards for veterinary
facilities established under section 8
What Change is Proposed?
AUTHORITIES
•Ministerial
Powers•
It is proposed that the updated provision of the Act relating to Ministerial pow-
ers include the following additional powers:
• The Minister (namely, the Minister of Agriculture, Food and Rural
Affairs) may review and/or investigate the affairs or management of the
College and audit its books.
• Consultation with the Minister and the Minister of Advanced Education
and Skills Development is required before the Council establishes or
amends the academic qualifications of applicants for licensure.
• The Minister may pay the College for expenses incurred in complying
with a requirement under a provision related to the Powers of the
Minister.
• The Lieutenant Governor in Council would have the ability to appoint a
person as a College Supervisor, on the recommendation of the Minister,
where the Minister considers it appropriate or necessary, with factors
to be considered specified, notice provided, and written submissions
by the College allowed. Unless the appointment provides otherwise, a
College Supervisor has the exclusive right to exercise all the powers of
a Council and every person employed, retained or appointed for the
purposes of the administration of this Act. The Lieutenant Governor in
Council may specify the powers and duties of a College Supervisor and
the terms and conditions governing those powers and duties.
Why is the College Considering Changes to this Concept?
Strengthening Ministerial powers is a trend across government that the College
supports. Increasing the powers of the Minister publicly demonstrates the
College’s accountability, bolsters oversight of the College, and ensures improved
public protection, as needed.
Checks and balances, such as the Minister’s ability to appoint a supervisor, assist
the College, its Council, and its staff to remain focused on its central mission. The
College welcomes this level of accountability.
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