Ontario is taking significant steps to enhance access to professional animal care with the introduction of the Enhancing Professional Care for Animals Act. The proposed legislation, aimed at modernizing the 35-year-old framework regulating the veterinary profession, addresses key issues and introduces measures to improve oversight, recognize the crucial role of veterinary technicians, and ensure quality assurance.
Minister of Agriculture, Food and Rural Affairs, Lisa Thompson, emphasized the importance of continued access to safe and professional animal care for pet owners and farmers. She stated, "This bill is designed to enable better access to veterinary services, recognize the important role of veterinary technicians, improve oversight of the profession, and increase quality assurance through measures like continuing education."
The proposed legislation brings several benefits, including the creation of a formal scope of practice for veterinary technicians, allowing them to leverage their training and expertise to the fullest extent. The bill also introduces new requirements for continuing education, aligning with standards in other regulated professions, and streamlines the complaints resolution process for quicker dispute resolution.
The legislation proposes increased penalties for actions intentionally harming animals, reflecting the seriousness of such offenses. To ensure broader perspectives, more public representation on the council of the regulatory college overseeing veterinary professionals is also a key feature of the proposed changes.
Prominent figures in the veterinary community and related organizations have welcomed the proposed legislation:
Dr. Wade Wright, President of the College of Veterinarians of Ontario, stated, "Today is a pinnacle moment, a significant step towards a robust and effective legislative framework to govern veterinary medicine in Ontario. This legislation strengthens public protection and more accurately reflects current veterinary practice. Our council and the licensed members of our college recognize that this legislation will support veterinary teams and enable us to serve the public with efficiency, transparency and accountability. This is good news for the public, for veterinary medicine, and for veterinary teams in Ontario."
John Stevens, CEO of the Ontario Veterinary Medical Association (OVMA), said, "After nearly a decade of tireless advocacy, OVMA is pleased that the concerns of the veterinary profession, stemming from an outdated legislative framework, have been heard and that a new Act has been introduced. OVMA supports legislation that reduces the regulatory burden on the profession by recognizing the vital role of Registered Veterinary Technicians. The association remains committed to ensuring that outcomes are fair, balanced, and reflective of the current profession and meet the needs of pet owners, producers, and Ontario’s animals by providing a flexible framework that protects the public interest."
Kirsti Clarida, President of the Ontario Association of Veterinary Technicians, said, "This is a historic moment for Registered Veterinary Technicians (RVTs), and I am so proud of the work we have done together with Minister Thompson to get here. This new legislation will expand scope of practice for RVTs, positioning Ontario as a future-ready leader in the regulation of veterinary medicine by enabling RVTs to participate in team-based veterinary care to the full extent of their abilities and training. We look forward to continuing to work with the Ontario government to grow our profession."
Drew Spoelstra, President of the Ontario Federation of Agriculture, is pleased with the ongoing modernization of the Veterinarians Act by the Ontario government. He highlights the pivotal role of veterinarians in animal health and the sustainability of the agri-food system, expressing satisfaction with proposed amendments for contemporary and high-quality livestock care.
The legislative changes, the Ontario government is actively working to address underserviced areas through the Veterinary Incentive Program, offering financial incentives for licensed veterinarians. Moreover, funding has been allocated to increase veterinary school spaces, ensuring improved access to veterinary care across the province.