The Canadian Veterinary Medical Association (CVMA) supports and represents the interests and priorities of Canada’s diverse veterinarians by:
-
Speaking for you on animal welfare
We have recently advocated for:
– Research on veterinary use of medicinal cannabis for pets
– Continued use of ketamine and compounded and extra-label drugs
– Guiding standards and tools for improved antimicrobial stewardship
-
Helping shape policy and legislation that affect you
We have recently advised the federal government on enhancements to:
– Animal transportation legislation
– Animal cruelty legislation
-
Providing resources to help you throughout your career
We can help you succeed with resources including:
– Early career DVM resource hub
– Business management services and tools
– Health and wellness resources
– Comprehensive practice insurance and more.
Last year, 2018 was a year of records: highest-ever membership of 7400; 7850 affiliated veterinary technicians; over 1100 participants at the Annual Convention. The CVMA would like to thank all members for being part of your CVMA!
The following reports provide a summary of the main activities undertaken by the CVMA in 2018, for its members and the profession.
Corporate Partnership Program (CPP)
The CVMA Corporate Partnership Program (CPP) is a comprehensive sponsorship program that was implemented to better recognize a company’s overall financial contribution to the Association. Celebrating its 11th year in 2018, the CPP continues to evolve each year and takes into account the various programs and events that are corporately sponsored, allowing companies that support the CVMA in various aspects to get better recognition for their overall contributions. The 3 levels of sponsorship in 2018 were Platinum (> $80 000), Gold ($48 000–$79 999) and Silver ($27 000–$47 999).
The CVMA would like to extend recognition to the following sponsors for their overall contribution to the Association in 2018:
| Platinum: | Merck Animal Health |
| Gold: | Scotiabank Virox Animal Health |
| Silver: | IDEXX Laboratories Petsecure Pet Health Insurance Western Financial Group Insurance Solutions |
We Speak for You on Animal Welfare
Animal Welfare
The CVMA Animal Welfare Committee (AWC) deals with a wide range of issues of concern to Canadian veterinarians and the public with respect to the humane treatment of animals. Committee members include those from companion and food animal practice, animal welfare research, wildlife and zoo animal medicine, and laboratory animal medicine. Ex-officio members include those from the Canadian Food Inspection Agency (CFIA), Humane Canada (HC), Ontario Veterinary Medical Association (OVMA), the Canadian Association of Laboratory Animal Medicine (CALAM), the Canadian Council on Animal Care (CCAC), the Society of British Columbia Veterinarians (SBCV), and the Registered Veterinary Technologists and Technicians of Canada (RVTTC).
The AWC conducts extensive review of scientific and ethical dimensions of animal welfare issues of importance to veterinarians and the public. During 2018, work began on a new position statement on Co-Sheltering and Animal Welfare, and continued on the review and revision of existing position statements on: Trapping of Fur-Bearing Animals; Surgical Castration of Horses, Donkeys and Mules; Castration of Cattle, Sheep and Goats; Use of Animals in Sport and Competition; Use of Animals in Entertainment and Recreation; Cosmetic Alteration; Free Roaming Owned and Feral Cats; Neutering of Cats and Dogs; Electro-ejaculation of Ruminants; Service Animals; and the Use of Lead Fishing Sinkers and Lead Shot in Canada.
During 2018, the CVMA Council approved new position statements on Housing Systems for Laying Hens; the Welfare of Cull Dairy Cows, as well as a revised position statement on Dog Breeding.
The AWC developed a concept for a CVMA Pain Management Framework aimed at aligning CVMA resources around approaches to pain management in large and small animals.
The AWC completed a multi-year project on the review and revision of the Code of Practice for Canadian Kennel Operations with the release of the 3rd Edition of the Kennel Code in April 2018.
The AWC formed 2 new Working Groups during 2018. The 1st will review and revise the CVMA Cattery Code, and the 2nd will develop a new Code of Practice for Small Mammals Kept as Pets. The AWC provided comments to the CCAC on its Rat Guidelines.
With support of the AWC, the CVMA lobbied the federal government in support of enhancements to Animal Cruelty legislation, in particular changes to the Criminal Code regarding bestiality and animal fighting.
The CVMA was represented on the National Farmed Animal Care Council (NFACC) Executive and Board, and continues to provide representation on the NFACC Code and Scientific committees (including expertise on the Scientific Committee of the new Transport Code), and representation through the Animal Care Assessment Program. The CVMA will coordinate national veterinary participation in the working groups that will be organized under the new Transport Code development project.
The CVMA participates in the National Companion Animal Coalition (NCAC) along with the Canadian Kennel Club, The Canadian Federation of Humane Societies, Agriculture and Agri-Food Canada, and The Pet Industry Joint Advisory Council.
Internationally, the CVMA was represented at the Animal Welfare Committee meeting of the American Veterinary Medical Association (AVMA). The AVMA representative was invited to meet with the CVMA’s AWC during the March Committee Weekend in 2018.
A number of animal welfare resources are available on the CVMA website including pain management posters; kennel and cattery codes; information on animal abuse, ownership and selection of a pet; and animal welfare news items and articles.
We Help Shape National Policy and Legislation that Affect You
National Issues
The National Issues Committee (NIC) considers a wide range of issues of concern to the veterinary profession in Canada. During 2018, the NIC revised and CVMA Council approved a position statement on Raw Meat-Based Diets for Pets. Reviews of several current position statements commenced including those on Telemedicine; Complementary and Alternative Veterinary Medicine; and Vaccination of Animals. Work on a new position statement on Service Animals was proposed to Council and commenced in 2018 under the lead of the NIC.
The 3rd National Issues (NI) Forum was held at the CVMA Convention in Vancouver in 2018 on the Therapeutic Use of Cannabinoids in Veterinary Medicine to address veterinary considerations around the legalization of cannabis in Canada. The event involved presentations from 3 panelists, discussion, and live polling, and was attended by 150 veterinarians. A working group was formed to develop plans for the 2019 Global Forum in Toronto on the topic of Telemedicine and Animal Welfare.
A major focus of NIC deliberations continued to be antimicrobial resistance (AMR) and strategies to support antimicrobial stewardship and antimicrobial use surveillance. This effort is ongoing given changes to federal policies, and regulations that began in 2017, and will continue in 2019. The current changes will enhance veterinary oversight of antimicrobial use (AMU) in animals.
CVMA’s Veterinary Pharmaceutical Stewardship Advisory Group (VPSAG) under NIC provided oversight for the conclusion of a project that led to the release on CVMA’s website in late 2018 of the revised CVMA Guidelines for Veterinary Antimicrobial Use. The Guidelines are aimed at strengthening veterinary oversight of AMU in food producing and companion animals.
Under the VPSAG, the CVMA developed and submitted a federal funding proposal for a National Veterinary Oversight System (NVOS) for AMU with surveillance (prescriptions and feed-mill dispensing), stewardship, and communications components. The proposed project will aim to enhance and expand the new AMU Guidelines. A decision on funding is expected in 2019.
During 2018, the CVMA provided representation at meetings with the Canadian Food Inspection Agency (CFIA), Canadian Animal Health Coalition (CAHC), Canadian Animal Health Institute (CAHI), Canadian Animal Health Surveillance System (CAHSS), Canadian Cattle Identification Agency (CCIA), Canadian Animal Health Products Advisory Committee (CAHPRAC), Canadian Council of Veterinary Registrars (CCVR), Canadian Lyme Disease Roundtable, National Farmed Animal Health and Welfare Council (NFAHWC), the American Veterinary Medical Association (AVMA), among others.
The NIC continues to monitor the activity of the NFAHW Council, and seeks opportunities to provide input on issues that are important to the veterinary community (disease surveillance, animal welfare, One Health, antimicrobial stewardship/resistance).
We Have Resources to Help You Throughout Your Career
Journals
The CVJ (The Canadian Veterinary Journal) and CJVR (Canadian Journal of Veterinary Research) are the only national, general or multi-species, peer-reviewed veterinary journals in Canada. The number of manuscripts submitted to The CVJ in 2018 was 294; the number submitted to the CJVR in 2018 was 110. Both numbers were similar to the year before. Successful efforts are ongoing to reduce the backlog of CVJ manuscripts; the time from submission to publication is under 12 months, at 11. For CJVR the time for the same progression is 9.3 months. Both journals will continue to promote the relevance of journal articles to practice and build demand for the knowledge delivered.
Sponsorships continued and were renewed for both the Quiz and Dermatology in The CVJ in 2018.
Of those articles published in 2018 in The CVJ, 49%, 55 out of 112 came from Canadian member authors. Approximately 66 (59%) articles covered small companion animal content, and 32 (29%) large animal content. The remainder was a combination of articles on pigs, sheep, goats, exotic and other less common species. Those numbers may change as some 2018 articles are awaiting decision at the time of publication.
The journals department sends an annual letter from the CVMA to the deans of Canadian veterinary schools on behalf of the editors. Editors are recognized by the schools for their work with the journals in determining academic advancement/tenure.
As a benefit to CVMA members, CVMA authors have lower publication fees for The CVJ and lower page charges for the CJVR. Advertising revenues, which had been on the decline for the last few years due to the pressures of the economy, continue to rebound slowly. Both journals will continue to strive toward a break-even budget.
Readers and CVMA members are reminded that all issues, except the most recent 6 months (The CVJ) and 3 months (CJVR) are available to the public on the PubMed Central archive (www.pubmedcentral.com); a link is also available through the CVMA website (www.canadianveterinarians.net). CVMA members can view the most recent 6 months of The CVJ and most recent 3 months of CJVR on the member-only section of the CVMA website.
CVMA Convention
The Canadian Veterinary Medical Association held its 70th Annual Convention July 5–8 in Vancouver, British Columbia. Organized in collaboration with the Registered Veterinary Technicians and Technologists of Canada (RVTTC), the Convention attracted a record-breaking attendance of over 1100 delegates!
With more than 28 speakers from Canada, the United States, and internationally, over 130 hours of continuing education (CE) sessions were offered. For the 4th year, the CVMA submitted the CE sessions for RACE approval. As a result, DVMs were able to earn a maximum of 27 CE credits from a selection of 113 RACE-approved hours.
Approximately 175 participants attended the 2018 CVMA Summit. The theme was Changing Dynamics of Private Practice and featured Dr. Cindy Adams discussing experiences in veterinary communication education for a successful practice; Dr. Marie Holowaychuk, reviewing what habits to form that foster resilience in veterinary medicine; and Dr. Gudrun Ravetz who presented what corporate veterinary practices mean for the profession. The Summit was chaired by then president-elect, Dr. Terri Chotowetz.
The Convention provided an opportunity for additional groups and organizations to hold meetings onsite including: Christian Veterinary Missions; Veterinarians without Borders; the RVTTC AGM; Ontario Veterinary College Alumni Reception; the Western College of Veterinary Medicine Class of ’87 Reunion; and the Atlantic Veterinary College Alumni Reception.
The Professional Development Committee worked together to provide 3 wet labs on Thursday, July 13, which included Basic and Advanced Dental Extractions; Common Surgical Procedures of the Canine Abdomen; plus a new workshop on Sunday, July 8 entitled Dental Instrument Care Workshop.
For the 5th year, the CVMA quest game was part of the mobile app to connect participants with exhibitors, sponsors, CVMA Council, as well as colleagues. App users were given the chance to complete over 100 challenges, including networking with exhibitors, sponsors, CVMA Council, and much more. Daily draws took place, which gave all app participants the chance to win one of many prizes contributed by all exhibiting companies including iPads, Garmin Sport Watches, Apple Airpods, plus many gift cards.
The Saturday evening social event, held on a cruise, was sold out with over 300 participants. The venue offered astonishing views that left everyone breathless. The evening cruise sailed out of False Creek into Coal Harbour during sunset. Food and drinks were served followed by music allowing people to dance the night away under the stars.
The CVMA is grateful to the 43 sponsors of the Convention, especially the Level 1 sponsors: CuraCore, Merck Animal Health, Virox, and Western Financial Group. The exhibit hall was filled to capacity with 78 booths and 19 table tops.
Canadian Veterinary Reserve (CVR)
Objective of the CVMA’s CVR:
To provide veterinary surge capacity to 1st responders in large-scale emergencies involving animals, to address animal health and welfare concerns.
Status of the CVR:
With 300 reservists, the CVR meets the Canadian Food Inspection Agency (CFIA) capacity requirements that are at 200.
With annual drills, the CVR has proven that it has the knowledge and capacity to conduct call ups of its reservists within a short time span, 24–48 hours.
The scenario for the 2018 Call-Up Drill was “Wildfires impacting animals in south, central British Columbia.” After the call-up was sent to 298 CVR members, we received 200 replies with 115 veterinarians indicating availability to serve.
Next steps
Deployment: Continue exploring with CFIA and provinces the deployment of reservists in case of emergencies even if the extra capacity would not be needed.
Goal: To train reservists and the first responders in the integration of the reserve.
Exercises: Obtain access to CFIA and provincial exercises to expose, and train reservists.
Red Cross: Engage in discussion on how the CVR could assist the Red Cross.
Funding: The CVMA is grateful for the CFIA’s funding of this program. The Association recently submitted a one-year funding request for “Transitioning the CVR to other forms of sustainable funding.”
Business Management
In 2018, the CVMA continued its benchmarking program, which included valuable economic and practice management tools and resources such as provincial suggested fee guides, compensation and benefits reports for associate veterinarians, non-DVM wage reports, provincial economic reports and individual practice reports. The data in these reports come from the annual economic surveys the CVMA conducts in partnership with the provincial veterinary medical associations and program co-sponsors, Idexx Laboratories, Petsecure, Merck Animal Health, and Scotiabank.
In 2018, the CVMA published 6 veterinary practice management articles in The Canadian Veterinary Journal, which are also posted in the CVMA website’s Business Management Program section.
In Vancouver, British Columbia, the 2018 CVMA Convention’s Business Management track, “New Generation of Culture” consisted of six 50-minute sessions. Dr. Heather Romano discussed how to train your millennial; money; not fearing feedback; a family mentality; and 2 sessions on becoming a better leader.
Representatives from the provincial veterinary medical associations attended the annual Economic Forum, held during CVMA’s Convention, and were provided with the scheduling and delivery of annual surveys and reports to all members. Mr. Darren Osborne, CVMA’s economic consultant, presented national data comparisons and discussed potential improvements to the program and its delivery.
Veterinarian Wellness
The CVMA has a section on its website dedicated to Veterinarian Health and Wellness Resources. The resources contained in this section are categorized under 3 key areas: emotional and mental health, physical health, and veterinarian wellness. A rotating banner pointing directly to the web section is permanently placed on the CVMA homepage for easy access. Resources continue to be added as they are identified.
In July, the CVMA hosted a special extended session as part of the 2018 Emerging Leaders Program. Through open dialogue and exchange, participants shared their stories on the issues and challenges they face in their professional and personal life and provided insight as to how the CVMA could better support their needs.
Under the CVMA Insurance Program, employees enrolled in the group health benefits plan have access to professional referral services and employee assistance services offered as optional added benefits of the plan.
To further support the health and wellness of its members, the CVMA offers a corporate discount at GoodLife Fitness.
CVMA Group Insurance Program
The CVMA Insurance Program offers members the opportunity to access Professional Liability, Commercial Insurance, Employee Benefits Insurance, (Affinity) Life Insurance, Disability and Business Overhead Expense coverage at group program rates. Furthermore, through an arrangement with The Personal Insurance Co., the Program provides members with the opportunity to purchase group Home, Auto and Travel Insurance.
Professional Liability and Commercial ‘Protected Self-Insurance’ Program (PSIP)
In 2018, the Program insured 1500 participants. The PSIP model is the greatest selling feature and utilizes a “protected self-insurance” retention fund to enable participating members to take partial ownership of their insurance costs. Participants are provided with a comprehensive review of their business operations and a policy tailored to meet the specific needs of the practice. Members also save a minimum 10% for equivalent coverage when joining the Commercial or Employee Group Benefits Program.
Employee Group Benefits Program (EGBP)
In 2018, participation increased by 4%, with new business sales achieved throughout the year. The EGBP offers flexible options to clinics for comprehensive life, health and dental plans, accidental death and dismemberment, and disability. Optional wellness benefits such as professional referral and counseling services for insured members and family members, and business assistance and coaching for the practice are also available. Insured clinics benefit from the rate stability generated by spreading claims over the entire TotalGUARDTM/CVMA pool.
CVMA Webstore Program
In 2018, new clinics continued to be added to the CVMA Webstore Program and sales flowing through the web store across the country have increased.
The new Pet Food Manufacturer’s Rebate Program that was introduced last year continues to have a huge impact for clinics. A 10% rebate is provided by some pet food manufacturers to clients who purchase the food through the clinic’s web store AutoOrder. The AutoOrder rebate has resulted in an increase in AutoOrders, but not at the expense of one-time sales.
The MyVetStore.ca is a customizable online retail platform branded to your practice, offering your clients the ease and convenience of purchasing their pet’s prescription products and dietary recommended products directly from you. You control what products are available and the pricing. You can also set up automatic ordering to fulfill recurring orders for those clients you have registered to have access to your web store. The web store can help promote better client compliance, while increasing sales without the cost and hassle of stocking inventory.
The CVMA Web Store Program is configured to meet the respective provincial veterinary regulations and guidelines and CVMA members benefit from the most favorable financial terms.
Early Career DVM Initiatives
The CVMA continues to support new veterinarians, help meet their personal and professional needs, and ease their financial burden as they settle into their new profession.
Membership dues reduction
To financially support recent graduates, the CVMA offers new graduates a complimentary membership for the remainder of the year in which they graduate. Individuals who maintain their membership after graduation throughout a consecutive 3-year period are eligible for a 75%–50%–25% tiered fee reduction. Members in their 1st year following graduation also receive a complimentary general registration to the CVMA Convention — a great opportunity to enhance their skills and knowledge.
What Can’t Be Taught articles
A series of articles, written by members of the CVMA Emerging Leaders Network, provides insight into the 1st years in practice and offers advice from someone “who’s been there.” Two articles were submitted and published in The CVJ in 2018. The articles are also added to the Mentoring Program Resources section of the CVMA member website.
CVMA Emerging Leaders Program (ELP)
In its 9th year, the ELP workshop had a total of 29 participants from across Canada. The participants included 20 candidates sponsored by the CVMA and provincial veterinary associations, 5 students sponsored by the CVMA, as well as the program chair, speaker, and 2 paid participants. Dr. Rick DeBowes, from Washington State University, used didactic and experiential learning techniques to help participants gain insight into how they can lead, communicate with others, and become better leaders. ELP participants learned more about the CVMA by being paired up with their provincial Council members at the CVMA Summit. The ELP workshop ran from 2 pm to 6 pm on the 1st day. The 2nd day started at 8 am and finished at 12 pm, after which all participants had lunch with guest speaker Dr. Jose Ramirez, who focused his lecture on the 10 key competencies to learning how to recognize what skills can be valuable and how to transfer those skills to accelerate business agility. Upon completion ELP participants were presented with a graduation certificate.
In 2018, sponsored ELP participants were also invited to a special extended session The need to lead, but what about your needs? Through open dialogue and exchange led by a professional facilitator, participants shared their thoughts on the issues and challenges they face in their early career.
Early Career DVM Resource Hub
To support early career DVMs and help set them on the path to a successful career, the CVMA created a dedicated website section containing useful information, tools and resources related to financial planning and budgeting, communications, and career development. Some examples of these tools and resources include student loan repayment estimators, a budgeting app for mobile devices, guidelines for successful employment, and instructional communications videos. Additional resources continue to be added as they are identified.
Communications and Public Relations
The CVMA distributed 14 news releases and received 125 media inquiries in 2018. One of the biggest media interests was around cannabis exposure and/or use in pets.
The CVMA continues to increase its social media channel activity. Near the end of 2018:
Facebook: 9683 likes
English & French Twitter: 9941 followers
*NEW* Instagram (@cvma.acmv): 665 followers
CVMA YouTube: highlighted the 2018 Animal Health Week animated video and the 2018 National Tick Awareness Month What Do You Really Know About Ticks videos.
The CVMA continued to promote the value of veterinary healthcare on social media, using the hashtags #VetCareEverywhere and #VétérinairesPartenaires.
The CVMA remained part of a sub-committee of the Canadian Animal Health Products Regulatory Advisory Committee to discuss the implementation and impacts of Health Canada moving all medically important antimicrobials (veterinary drugs) to the Prescription Drug List by December 1, 2018. The CVMA sent information under the banner of Veterinary Oversight of Antimicrobial Use in Canada: Regulations are Changing…We Want You Prepared; a campaign initiated in 2016.
Another dedicated web page was created for a new online platform, CVMA Guidelines for Veterinary Antimicrobial Use. The platform launch was shared to targeted media, by e-mail, through social media and CVMA’s member eNewsletter, as well as an article to provincial veterinary medical association publications/regulatory bodies, Canadian Vet, and The Canadian Veterinary Journal (The CVJ).
The CVMA, in partnership with Merck Animal Health, declared March once again National Tick Awareness Month. A series of short videos, “What do you really know about ticks?” were created that could be easily shared with pet owners and clinics any time of the year.
The 2018 Animal Health Week ran with the theme, “Vaccines Save Lives” and included vibrant shirt designs worn by participating clinics, and information shared through social media. Targeted media pitches were sent across the country, resulting in media coverage. The Canadian Food Inspection Agency (CFIA) distributed posters throughout departments across Canada and invited the CVMA to provide an in-person presentation, which was broadcast live to CFIA departments across the country.
Mass e-mail and fax bulletins, social media updates, articles in provincial publications, information on the CVMA’s website, in the CVMA’s monthly eNewsletter, and in the News section of The CVJ continue to provide members with relevant CVMA program updates and general veterinary news.
2018 CVMA Awards
The 2018 CVMA Awards Ceremony honored exceptional individuals of the veterinary community in July. Dr. Matt Read, CVMA Small Animal Practitioner Award (Petsecure Pet Health Insurance); Dr. Helene Van Doninck, CVMA Humane Award (Merck Animal Health); Dr. Kathleen Parker, Merck Veterinary Award (Merck Animal Health); Kannon Animal Hospital, CVMA Practice of the Year Award (Scotiabank); Dr. Carlton Gyles, CVMA Life Membership; and Dr. Barry Stemshorn, CVMA President’s Award. The CVMA extends congratulations to Ms. Bernice Ruf who received the 2018 Canadian Registered Animal Health Technologist/Veterinary Technician of the Year Award. The CVMA issued individual news releases on each award recipient with local media interest. Short interview clips were also posted under Instagram stories, which are permanently stored as a highlight for the 2018 CVMA Convention.
The Value of Your Membership
Membership Benefits and Services
As your national professional association, the CVMA supports and advances the interests and priorities of Canada’s veterinarians. In 2018, 7399 veterinarians and veterinary student members supported the CVMA’s work and leadership. Our strength is in influencing policy decisions and legislation that affect the profession today and tomorrow.
The CVMA is always looking to deliver more value to members and to support members throughout their careers. From helping shape animal welfare legislation, to creating public awareness of the role of veterinarians, to supporting your personal health and wellness, to providing scientific knowledge and resources, the CVMA is here for you. In addition, members have access to a broad suite of benefits, including practice tools and resources, continuing education, affinity programs, and a wide array of discounts and savings. A listing of member benefits and services can be found in this issue of The CVJ.
In 2018, the CVMA developed a national campaign to help reinforce the value of membership and forge a stronger connection with the veterinary community in all provinces. One of the main elements of this campaign was the creation of an English and French 30-second video, “You speak for those who cannot speak… and we speak for you.” («Vous parlez au nom de ceux qui n’ont pas de voix… et nous parlons en votre nom.»). After 4 months, the 2 YouTube videos received over 28K views. Also, our social media campaign successfully raised awareness with 2.1 million impressions and 41K interactions across Facebook, Instagram, YouTube and the Google network.
Students of the Canadian Veterinary Medical Association (SCVMA)
The Students of the Canadian Veterinary Medical Association (SCVMA) represent over 1600 DVM students from the 5 Canadian veterinary colleges.
The successful, student-run 2018 SCVMA Symposium was held January 12–13 at the Atlantic Veterinary College and Dr. Michelle Oakley, star of National Geographic’s reality show Yukon Vet, attended as the event’s keynote speaker.
The SCVMA conducted the annual New Graduate Survey, gathering useful data for future veterinary graduates and the profession. The survey report was published in The CVJ’s April issue and posted in the SCVMA website section.
The SCVMA published the annual VetRap student newsletter, distributed to all veterinary students, and features articles from each college, and, new last year, features 2 articles from the CVMA international student affiliate veterinary schools. All students also received 2 student e-newsletters. Throughout the year, the SCVMA Facebook group and Instagram page provide information updates.
The 2018 CVMA Teacher of the Year Award recipient, Dr. Oriana Raab, and the 2018 CVMA Student Leadership Award winner, Jolene Vermeulen, from the Atlantic Veterinary College.
The 2019 Symposium planning committee from la Faculté de médecine vétérinaire de l’Université de Montréal.
The first-year students from the Western College of Veterinary Medicine at their 2018 Lab Coat Ceremony.
First-year students received CVMA-branded lab coats and name badges during each college’s welcome ceremony, and the CVMA Teacher of the Year Awards were presented at the awards ceremony.
In the fall at each college, a CVMA Council representative and the SCVMA Committee representative gave the CVMA One Voice presentation, introducing students to the CVMA, and led a current animal welfare or national veterinary issue discussion.
In the winter at each college, CVMA’s insurance program partner, Western Financial Group Insurance Solutions, presented an overview of career insurance risks students may face and explained available insurance products and coverages.
In 2018, the CVMA continued the international student affiliation program and had 5 participating schools, totaling 171 international veterinary student affiliate members.
The 3rd annual Student Leadership Workshop (SLW), held at the Western College of Veterinary Medicine November 17, 2018, had 25 student participants. This interactive workshop, led by Dr. Rick DeBowes, titled, “Experiential Leadership Programming: The First Step in Being Our Best Selves,” offered personal and career development strategies students may not learn in school.
Student Liaison Advisory Group
The CVMA Student Liaison Advisory Group (SLAG) represents the CVMA at each of the 5 Canadian veterinary colleges, strengthening the CVMA and veterinary student link. The SLAG, comprised of 1 faculty member from each college, guides their college’s SCVMA Committee representative and participates in annual CVMA initiatives including the One Voice presentation, lab coat ceremony, and the SCVMA Symposium.
CVMA-Society of British Columbia Veterinarians Chapter
The CVMA-Society of British Columbia Veterinarians Chapter grew its membership in 2018 (over 2017) and continued to grow its committee structure, which supported new projects.
The Chapter’s Continuing Education (CE) Committee expanded the Fall Conference from a 2-day 12-CE credit hour to a 3-day 15-CE credit hour conference. This permitted members to achieve their 15 required hours of CE at one event. The Chapter continued to develop its relationship with the College of Veterinarians of British Columbia including how our CE program can better educate and prepare members to address veterinary trends and emerging issues including antimicrobial resistance (AMR) and technological or regulatory change. The Chapter also offered a 4-city, 4-topic, 4-speaker spring CE session taking its 1-day, 6-CE credit hour sessions throughout British Columbia (Abbotsford, Nanaimo, Kelowna, and Nelson).
The Editorial Committee expanded the quarterly magazine to 44 pages and introduced a pull-out poster designed to be displayed in veterinary offices, as well as static cling membership decals for clinic windows.
Public education through media enquiries continues to be a priority, with the Chapter’s Board members handling on-air interviews on topics from cannabis overdoses to dog influenza. The Chapter is also sought after for its feedback and information, from reviewing all CVMA’s position statement drafts to consulting extensively on the province of British Columbia’s proposed Dog and Cat Selling and Breeding draft regulations.
With all consultations that have an animal welfare component, the Chapter’s Animal Welfare Committee (AWC) researches current science, reviews literature, and debates each topic before providing an official Chapter response (or informing the Board for its own response). Chapter AWC members also write reports after attending Canadian animal welfare and policy conferences.
The Chapter’s Board also began some work advocating around veterinary labor market shortages and some strategies to address this. The Chapter Board made extensive headway in its advocacy and will actively continue its work on this issue in 2019.
Finally, the Chapter was successful in hiring 2 Canada Summer Jobs students and was able to produce a video on the benefits of membership as well as a print directory of all British Columbia veterinarians.
Setting Standards
Animal Health Technologist/Veterinary Technician Program Accreditation
The CVMA’s Animal Health Technologist/Veterinary Technician Program Accreditation Committee (AHTVTPAC) is responsible for accrediting veterinary technician training programs that meet the minimum standards for educating and training qualified personnel who may join the veterinary health care team. Graduates of accredited programs benefit by having their competence recognized and prospects for employment and mobility enhanced, and the veterinary team benefits from well-trained technicians and technologists.
The CVMA maintains a reciprocity agreement with the American Veterinary Medical Association, which allows for the mutual recognition of our respective accreditation processes.
In 2018, site visits to Grande Prairie Regional College, Algonquin College, Lakeland College, Olds College and Maritime Business College took place.
The 19 accredited programs in Canada are:
Algonquin College, Ottawa, ON
Dalhousie University (formerly Nova Scotia Agricultural College), Truro, NS
Douglas College, New Westminster, BC
Georgian College, Orillia, ON
Grande Prairie Regional College, Fairview Campus, Fairview, AB
Lakeland College, Vermilion, AB
Maritime Business College, Dartmouth, NS
Northern Alberta Institute of Technology, Edmonton, AB
Northern College, Haileyburg, ON
Olds College (on-campus and distance learning), Olds, AB
Oulton College, Moncton, NB
Red River College, Winnipeg, MB
St. Clair College, Windsor, ON
St. Lawrence College, Kingston, ON
Saskatchewan Institute of Science and Technology, Saskatoon, SK
Seneca College, King City, ON
Thompson Rivers University (on-campus and distance learning), Kamloops, BC
University of Guelph, Ridgetown Campus (on-campus and distance learning), Ridgetown, ON
Vanier College, St-Laurent, QC
National Examining Board
The National Examining Board (NEB) is the body established by the CVMA to administer a veterinary medicine examination process for foreign-trained veterinarians wishing to practice in Canada. Passing the NEB exams and obtaining a Certificate of Qualification (CQ) allows them to apply for a license in any Canadian province. Like the CVMA, the NEB itself does not have the power to license or discipline veterinarians.
The NEB works closely with its counterparts in the United States, namely the Educational Commission for Foreign Veterinary Graduates (ECFVG) and International Council for Veterinary Assessment (ICVA), to ensure the examination process is fair and relevant.
NEB examination process
In 2018, the NEB accepted applications from 379 new candidates and issued 531 CQs (329 Canadian students, 125 graduates from AVMA-accredited veterinary schools and 77 graduates of non-accredited veterinary schools).
Veterinary College Accreditation
The CVMA, in collaboration with the American Veterinary Medical Association — Council on Education (COE), is accrediting university programs designed to educate students to become veterinarians. All Canadian veterinary colleges are American Veterinary Medical Association (AVMA)/CVMA-COE accredited.
In 2018 AVMA/CVMA-COE site visits were conducted at:
Lincoln Memorial University College of Veterinary Medicine
Midwestern University College of Veterinary Medicine
Purdue University College of Veterinary Medicine
Ross University of Veterinary Medicine
Royal Veterinary College, University of London
St. George’s University School of Veterinary Medicine
Tufts University Cummings School of Veterinary Medicine
Universidad Nacional Autonoma de Mexico Facultad de Medicina Veterinaria y Zootecnia
University of California-Davis School of Veterinary Medicine
University of Queensland School of Veterinary Science
