Ontario Conducting Consultations on Veterinarians Act in Elgin-Middlesex-London

Rob Flack, MPP for Elgin-Middlesex-London hosts industry leaders to support updating the Veterinarians Act

The Ontario government is launching consultations to explore opportunities to modernize the Veterinarians Act. The government’s first substantial review in 30 years will explore amendments to the legislative framework, opening the door to a new standard of veterinary medicine in Ontario that is modern and flexible.

Today, Rob Flack, Parliamentary Assistant to the Minister of Agriculture, Food & Rural Affairs hosted a roundtable which included veterinarians, industry experts and the public with the goal of gathering feedback to support the updating of the Veterinarian’s Act.

“Ensuring Veterinarians and their teams have the support, and the guiding documentation to run their businesses and treat Ontario’s animals is critical to the future of the veterinary profession,” said Rob Flack, Parliamentary Assistant to the Minister of Agriculture, Food and Rural Affairs. “The governing legislation no longer reflects what our veterinary professionals need to support the people of Ontario. Our government is making changes to ensure that this industry is able to operate effectively now, and for years to come.”

The Veterinarians Act provides a framework for the licensing of veterinarians and the accreditation of the facilities where veterinary professionals, including registered veterinary technicians, practice. The last significant update to the Act were made in 1989 and the Ontario government recognizes that it may no longer realities of modern veterinary practice.

By taking steps to solicit a broad range of input on the modernization of the Veterinarians Act, the government will be in a position to propose informed updates to the legislation that will reflect how veterinary care is delivered in Ontario presently, and for years to come.

QUICK FACTS

• Details on the proposed changes to the Veterinarians Act are available at www.ontario.ca/page/consultation-veterinarians-act-ontario.

• A discussion paper will be posted on the Regulatory Registry for public consultation in winter 2023. Interested parties can provide additional input through the registry at that time.

• Through the consultation process there is currently a Discussion Paper available for comment outlining the proposed approach for several items. This is posted on the regulatory registry or at https://www.ontario.ca/page/consultation-veterinarians-act-ontario.
• In 2021, the College of Veterinarians of Ontario licensed 5,247 veterinarians and accredited 2,405 facilities.
• In addition to this consultation our government has made efforts to provide improved access to veterinary services for animal owners across Ontario, including the agricultural industry through initiatives such as the Veterinary Assistance Program, the new Collaborative Veterinary Medicine Program through Lakehead University and the University of Guelph and the Veterinary Incentive Program.

Contact:   Deb Ransom Office of MPP Rob Flack deb.ransom@pc.ola .org