Public Interest Issues
It has come obvious that the Quebec veterinary profession is being called upon more than ever to pronounce exponentially on a multitude of issues by a cohort of stakeholders as diverse as the general public, pressure groups, government departments, and, of course, the media. It would be interesting to determine if a similar phenomenon has been observed in other provinces.
It would appear that the Ordre des médecins vétérinaires du Québec is reaping what it has sown; in other words, strategically positioning the Association as a key representative on major social issues, such as food safety, public health, and animal welfare, has resulted in increased visibility and activity.
The following is a sample of these issues.
Emergency veterinary services
The scarcity of next generation veterinarians in rural practice crystallized in the summer of 2002 when acute shortages in certain regions resulted in overworked practitioners, who were obliged to turn away clients.
The Ordre issued an “Emergency Services Notice” to assist practitioners who are frequently beset with ethical issues concerning their responsibilities and rights in constraining practice contexts.
This notice was significant in that it was also aimed at those people in the industry who are responsible for facilitating collaboration, team work, and more effective management of supply and demand of veterinary services.
Committee on next generation of veterinarians in agriculture
The Ordre has established a “Next Generation Committee” at the Faculté de médecine vétérinaire in Saint-Hyacinthe. A number of options for examining this complex topic are under serious study, including a targeted increase in the quota system in the food animals sector; “discriminatory” selection of students from rural areas; the implementation of incentive measures; valorization of the agricultural environment; and the recruitment of foreign veterinarians.
Moratorium on swine production
In June 2002, in response to citizens' concerns and public pressure, the Ministère de l'environnement decreed a moratorium on swine production and undertook an impressive series of public consultations on swine production in Quebec.
Several members of the Ordre participated in the debates and provided clarification. In addition, the Ordre presented a submission underlining the essential role of the veterinarian as an expert in the search for solutions to this socially divisive problem.
Antimicrobial resistance and drugs
The ever “hot” drug issue is keeping staff at the Ordre extremely busy.
Many of the Association's activities reflect its unfailing vigilance with regard to this issue of public interest. These activities include participation in the October 2002 National Policy Conference on Antibiotic Resistance in Ottawa, and the Ordre's response to the Report of the Advisory Committee on Animal Uses of Antimicrobials and Impact on Resistance and Human Health, which was officially communicated to Health Canada.
Furthermore, the Ordre is committed to a financial contribution to the establishment and development of gFARAD (Can Vet J 2002;43:680–682), piloted by Dr. Michèle Doucet at the Faculté de médecine vétérinaire.
On the invitation of the Canadian Animal Health Institute (CAHI), the president of the Ordre presented the Ordre des médecins vétérinaires du Québec's position on magistral preparations and bulk pharmaceutical ingredients to representatives of the Canadian pharmaceutical industry.
Regulations
The Ordre is involved in developing regulations aimed at authorizing veterinarians to practise in limited liability partnerships (SENCRL), as well as corporations (SPA).
In addition, a project is underway to modify the Code of Ethics aimed at, among other things, integrating both the concept of the veterinarian-client-patient relationship and provisions that relate to right of access and correction of records, as well as to the disclosure of confidential information for the purpose of ensuring the protection of the public.
Conclusion
The Ordre is pushing forward into the electronic age by setting up a Web site for its members and the general public. The site contains a series of links to information on professional veterinary legislation throughout the world, and establishes bridges with other relevant agencies, such as government departments of agriculture and immigration.
You are cordially invited to pay us a visit!
(by Dr. Christiane Gagnon, president, Ordre des médecins vétérinaires du Québec)
Dre/Dr. Christiane Gagnon
Footnotes
Around the provinces is a regular news feature in the Canadian Veterinary Journal designed to inform Canadian veterinarians about the work of provincial veterinary associations across Canada. We invited the provincial presidents of these associations to report on the activities and issues being addressed by their respective organizations. We thank Dr. Christiane Gagnon for her article in this issue. CVJ eds.