Thanks to our generous volunteers

While attending a provincial meeting recently, I was asked how the CVMA is involved at the national level on behalf of Canadian veterinarians. Perhaps the best way to illustrate the Association’s involvement would be to mention some of the organizations on which the CVMA has representation and to state the organizations’ mandates. The Canadian Animal Health Coalition serves the farmed-animal industry; the Aquatic Animal Health Consultative Committee is the primary industry-government interface for Aquatic Animal Health; the Canadian Coalition for Public Health in the 21st Century is a national network of not for profit organizations, professional associations, health charities, and academic researchers who share the common goal to improve and sustain the health of Canadians; the Canadian Council on Animal Care sets standards for animal use in science that apply across Canada; the CVMA/AVMA (American Veterinary Medical Association) Council on Education accredits DVM programs; the National Companion Animal Coalition promotes socially responsible pet ownership and enhances the health and well-being of companion animals; and the National Farm Animal Care Council promotes responsible farm animal care. The CVMA also has representation on several Veterinary Drug Directorate (VDD) Advisory Committees including ones on Minor Uses/Minor Species and Canadian Animal Health Products. The CVMA Council has regular meetings with the VDD, the Canadian Animal Health Institute, the Canadian Food Inspection Agency, and other national organizations. While this list is far from complete, it provides some insight into the CVMA involvement at this level. Since April 15 to 21 is National Volunteer Week in Canada, it is an appropriate time to acknowledge the over 450 volunteers who donate their time and talents to the CVMA and to let them know how much their efforts are appreciated. The following is a sample of how some of these volunteers are involved in the CVMA on behalf of all veterinarians: 14 council members (comprised of 1 representative from each of the provinces, a representative from the SCVMA and 2 college representatives) attend a minimum of 3 in-house meetings a year. Executive members attend at least 3 additional meetings. The CVMA Council is mandated to establish the general policies and overall priorities of the Association while the CVMA Executive is mandated to oversee the management of the Association. Presently, the CVMA has 12 committees and advisory boards. Members of the various committees have an in-house meeting at least once a year. They include the following: The National Examining Board (8 members) administers the National Examining Board Exams (Basic and Clinical Sciences Exam [BCSE], North American Veterinary Licensing Examination [NAVLE] the Clinical Proficiency Exam [CPE]) and participates in the accreditation of veterinary colleges. The Editorial Committee (6 members) oversees the operation of The Canadian Veterinary Journal and the Canadian Journal of Veterinary Research. The Animal Welfare Committee (6 members and 5 ex officio members) promotes animal welfare to industry and the public. It develops scientific-based animal welfare position statements. The National Issues Committee (4 members) identifies national issues pertinent to CVMA members, develops position statements, and monitors federal government activities. The Business Management Committee (6 members) analyzes the business and economic environment, assists veterinarians in the management of their business, and promotes a healthy lifestyle. The Animal Health Technology/Veterinary Technician Accreditation Program Committee (3 CVMA members and 3 animal health technicians [AHTs]) promotes standards of education and training for AHTs and recommends accreditation levels for AHT programs. The Professional Development Committee (3 members) addresses all continuing education for the CVMA including the program for the CVMA annual convention. The Insurance and Investment Program Committee (historically 1 person) is responsible for providing members with pertinent and competitive insurance. The Students of the CVMA (SCVMA) is comprised of 5 members, one from each veterinary college in Canada. The SCVMA enables the exchange of information between the colleges and with the CVMA on issues concerning students. The SCVMA president is a member of the CVMA Council. There are 3 CVMA Advisory Groups: The Student Liaison Group (5 members comprised of one faculty member from each of the 5 colleges) enhances the link between student veterinarians and the CVMA. The Environmental Advisory Group (3 members) advises the CVMA on environmental issues affecting the profession. The Communication Advisory Group (4 members) advises the CVMA on internal and external communication initiatives. To all of these and those not mentioned, thank you on behalf of all Canadian veterinarians. This is my last article before the CVMA Convention that will be held July 11–14 in beautiful Montreal, Quebec. I ask you to please check out the fantastic scientific and social programs, and I look forward to seeing you there.

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