The annual Canadian Veterinary Medical Association (CVMA) Convention provides the platform for individuals, veterinary organizations, and government personnel to discuss veterinary issues of national and inter national scope. This year's CVMA Convention featured meetings of Canadian veterinary medical associations with the CVMA (the new “Provincial VMA Forum”), the Canadian Veterinary Summit (an annual meeting of the leadership of the veterinary profession), and meetings with international representatives from the United States, Great Britain, and the World Veterinary Association (WVA). Further, meetings were held by the Canadian registrars, the deans of the 4 Canadian colleges, and the presidents of the Western VMAs. The Canadian Association of Animal Health Technologists and Technicians (CAAHTT) also held its meetings in conjunction with the CVMA Convention.
CVMA appeals to international veterinary organization to revise control measures regarding bovine spongiform encephalopathy (BSE)
The CVMA took the opportunity to discuss BSE during its Convention with the president of the WVA, Dr. Herbert Schneider; the president of the American Veterinary Medical Association (AVMA), Dr. Joe Howel; and the immediate past-president of the British Veterinary Association, Mr. Andrew Scott.
The CVMA called on other national veterinary associations and the WVA to support its appeals to the Office International des Epizoaties (OIE) to urgently prioritize revisions to the chapter relating to BSE in the OIE Animal Health Code to ensure that policy decisions reflect the most current scientific knowledge and provide the foundation for more effective risk assessment and communication. When he represented the CVMA at the AVMA Annual conference in Denver, the CVMA president, Dr. Duane Landals followed up on this issue.
The following is a summary of decisions made by the CVMA council on July 8, 2003:
· The Future of the CVMA: As a result of the membership survey conducted in the spring of 2003, council received a significant number of short- and long-term strategies aimed at more effectively servicing our members. Council set the following as the top 4 priorities:
1. Regular, targeted member updates; establish effective database.
The CVMA needs to “target” the different membership segments (specialty groups) regularly with pertinent information.
2. Plan and implement national public affairs strategy.
This strategy is intended to raise the profile of the profession and the CVMA's work in animal welfare advocacy and government relations.
3. Establish a national career centre.
A fully searchable on-line service will provide services to employers and employees, locums, students and new graduates across the country.
4. Revise CVMA Convention concept.
In response to the CVMA survey, 35% of members expressed the view that the CVMA Convention social program was valuable; 75% responded that the continuing education components were valuable; and 88% responded that the CVMA should invest more into the annual CVMA Convention. Council requested executive to present a proposal regarding short- and long- term revisions to the CVMA Convention concept in November 2003.
A significant number of further strategic initiatives will be reviewed by the appropriate CVMA committees and considered for short- and long-term planning.
· Animal Welfare: Council approved the following position statements:
— Cutting Canine Teeth in Dogs (renewed without change).
— Tail Docking on Dairy Cattle
— Use of Lead Shot for Hunting Waterfowl
The statements can be found on the CVMA Web site www.canadianveterinarians.net. Council directed that the Animal Welfare Committee develop a position statement on electroejaculation of bulls.
· National Issues: In light of the outcomes of the Veterinary Summit, council directed that the CVMA further develop its database capacities in order to track demographics of the profession, and to collaborate with the colleges to ensure that the profession remains up-to-date on the colleges' efforts and future plans regarding education and lifelong learning.
· Membership Dues: Council will submit to the 2004 AGM a proposal for procedures to adjust the membership fees annually to reflect the national average of the cost of living. Details will be discussed at the November 2003 council meeting.
· Student CVMA Award: In the future, the CVMA-ACMV Award will consist of a combined award consisting of a plaque and a $800 monetary award to be presented to a veterinary student in the 3rd year at each of the 4 colleges. The recipients will be selected by their classmates on the basis of leadership and achievement in student affairs.
· NEW CVMA Insurance Program: A new service provider will look after the evolving insurance needs of the profession. Morneau Sobeco will deliver its programs directly, throughout Canada. For details, see the CVMA Web site (www.canadianveterinarians.net.
· Guidelines of the Animal Health Technologist/Veterinary Technician Program Accreditation Committee (AHTVTPAC): Council approved guidelines for this CVMA program, through which the CVMA accredits Colleges of Animal Health Technologists and Veterinary Technician Programs throughout Canada.
· The CVMA Convention: The 2004 CVMA Convention will take place in Quebec City, July 7 to 10. Council named Dr. Claude Pigeon as the 2004 CVMA Convention Host Committee chair. Furthermore, council directed that a separate track on the Successful Practice of Veterinary Medicine be offered over 3 days during the 2004 Convention.
· The World Veterinary Association Conference (WVAC) 2008: Council approved that the CVMA executive act as the Board of Directors of the WVAC 2008 Inc., the separate legal entity hosting the 2008 WVAC in Vancouver.
· Microchips: The National Companion Animal Coalition (NCAC), of which the CVMA is a member, was responsible for implementing a Canadian User Based Standard for microchip technology in 1995. Council confirmed its continuing work with the NCAC. Council maintains its position on promoting the International Standards Organization's (ISO) standard microchips and requested that the NCAC set a date in the near future for the promotion of universal readers.
· Veterinary Oath: Council directed that the Canadian Veterinary Oath, as developed by the CVMA executive, be posted on www:canadianveterinarians.net for feedback from CVMA members.
· Policies: CVMA Council approved a new policy on the “Role and Terms of CVMA Committees” and on “CVMA Commercial Partnerships.”
· New CVMA Executive Member: Dr. Paul Boutet (New Brunswick) was appointed as executive member of the CVMA, joining Dr. Rob Ashburner (vice-president), Dr. Keith Campbell (president-elect) and Dr. Duane Landals (president).
(by Jost am Rhyn, CVMA Executive Director)
THE CVMA COUNCIL. From the left, sitting: Dr. Michael Baar, past-president; Dr. Duane Landals, president, Alberta representative; Dr. Keith Campbell, president-elect, Manitoba representative; Dr. Jeanne Lofstedt, immediate past-president; Dr. Rob Ashburner, vice-president, British Columbia representative; Dr. Paul Boutet, executive member, New Brunswick representative. Standing, from the left: Mr. Jost am Rhyn, executive director; Dr. Deborah Stark, Ontario representative; Dr. John Drake, Prince Edward Island representative; Ms. Renée Scott, immediate past-student representative; Dr. Doug Roberts, Nova Scotia representative; Dr. Klaas Post, WCVM & OVC representative; Dr. Julie E. de Moissac, Saskatchewan representative; Dr. Diane Frank, FMV & AVC representative; Dr. Dan Quinlan, Newfoundland representative; Dr. Claude Pigeon, Quebec representative.