Consultation Document July 2017 | Page 6

Achieving a Modern Approach to the Regulation of Veterinary Medicine in Ontario INTRODUCTION Introduction Regulation in veterinary medicine in Ontario has existed since 1877; veterinary medicine is one of the first professions to be recognized by government as important to public safety, and to greater societal interests. The Agriculture and Arts Act, as it was then known, formally established the social contract between veterinarians and the public. This has been a cornerstone to the profession’s view of its obligations and professionalism ever since. The Council is the governing body of the College of Veterinarians of Ontario and has, as its chief respons