Do Canadian veterinarians need a national association? Can Canadian veterinary interests be effectively promoted at the national level by provincial associations and special interest organizations? In my opinion, the answers to each question, in turn, are an emphatic yes and an emphatic no.
The Canadian veterinary profession is comparatively small with veterinarians in Canada totalling just over 8500 veterinarians. Contrast this to the medical profession in Canada with over 59 000 physicians. Veterinarians in Canada are engaged in private, corporate, and public practice in widely disparate geographical regions. In order to be heard and to advance, this small, diverse, dispersed profession must present a united front on issues of importance to veterinarians. The Canadian Veterinary Medical Association (CVMA) is the national body representing and serving the interests of the veterinary profession in Canada. It unifies and strengthens the veterinary profession and allows it to speak with one voice.
The CVMA has enjoyed high membership satisfaction. In the last official membership survey, conducted in 1999, 95% of respondents agreed with the top 3 listed priorities of the CVMA. I believe that, for the CVMA to remain effective, it must persist with its focus on limited, selected priorities and continue its outreach efforts to the profession. It must also maintain its collaborative lobbying efforts with like-minded groups. To be assured of the relevance of its activities to the profession, and to seek guidance on future directions, the CVMA must periodically consult its members.
By establishing only 3 priorities, Leadership on National Issues, Animal Welfare Advocacy, and The Successful Practice of Veterinary Medicine, with the committees to implement them, the CVMA has been very effective, to date, in promoting and advancing the interests of its members and the profession. For example, recent National Issues Committee initiatives included the establishment of species-specific prudent use guidelines for antimicrobial drugs (in order to decrease the development of antimicrobial resistance) and lobbying the Veterinary Drugs Directorate to expedite the approval of veterinary drugs. The Animal Welfare Committee (AWC) continues to monitor the seal hunt and the developments related to Bill C 15-B, an Act to amend the Criminal Code with respect to crimes against animals. This bill recently passed third reading in the House of Commons. The AWC is also collaborating with the provinces on a nationwide SafePet Program, whereby veterinarians temporarily house pets owned by women in abusive relationships. The Business Management Committee is spearheading the development of a Web-based national database on veterinary economic performance. This is being carried out in cooperation with the provincial associations and the National Commission on Veterinary Economic Issues (NCVEI) in the United States. On the marketing side, the Association's Web site for the public (animalhealth care.ca) is continually updated and serves as a valuable source of information on animal health, with messaging that encourages visitors to consult their veterinarian.
Both of my predecessors made a commitment to reach out to CVMA members and nonmembers, student members of the CVMA, provincial organizations, the colleges, and special interest organizations. This commitment remains. However, during the coming year, you will observe some special efforts to connect with the youngest members of our profession, the veterinary students. Last fall the CVMA Action Team on Veterinary Students made a number of recommendations in this regard, including the appointment of CVMA faculty liaisons at the colleges. The CVMA also plans to host lab coat ceremonies at all 4 colleges to welcome entering veterinary students to the profession, and to update the information on compensation and benefits for graduating students. To build on the successes of previous projects involving provincial associations and the CVMA (the collaborative public relations plan and the lobbying seminar), the CVMA is strongly considering the hosting of an annual CVMA Veterinary Leadership Workshop in Ottawa for incoming presidents of the provincial associations. The chief purpose of these workshops will be to facilitate development of leadership attributes and skills in the veterinary profession.
The CVMA, with the valuable assistance of its senior advisor on Veterinary Affairs, has been very proactive in lobbying government decision makers and public opinion leaders on issues of concern to the veterinary profession. Through these lobbying efforts, the CVMA has forged closer ties with like-minded groups, developed increased contacts with government agencies, and positioned itself as the advisor of choice on veterinary issues. Together with the deans, the CVMA has tirelessly lobbied the federal government for increased infrastructure funding for the Canadian veterinary colleges. The CVMA is committed to see this initiative through to its successful conclusion.
The CVMA Council, with input from its committees, reviews and revises its priorities on a 3-year cycle. Through comprehensive surveys, the CVMA has also consulted its members to reaffirm that its priorities and strategies reflect those of the profession. Much about the CVMA has changed in the last 3 years; therefore, it is probably time for the CVMA to request another report card, as well as input from its members on future directions.
It is with humility, but also with great pride in the CVMA and its members that I assume the CVMA presidency. I commit to do my best to represent all sectors of this diverse profession at the national level. I look forward to the next year with eager anticipation and confidence, with the realization that I am not tackling this task on my own. I have the backing of a wise and competent support team consisting of the CVMA's executive director, staff, executive, council, and committees.
