The Ontario government has introduced a bill to update the Ontario Veterinary Act.
The main thrust of the changes is to enable veterinary technicians to expand the scope of what they can do to help animals.
Governance would also change by including more representatives of the public on College of Veterinarians, which is the regulatory body, and representatives of veterinary technicians and academics.
Politicians would also gain “enhanced ministerial oversight of the college’s governing council.”
The college name will be changed to College of Veterinary Professionals of Ontario.
The college will be mandated to develop a formal quality assurance program which will include continuing education.
Complaints are to be addressed more quickly, there will be updated procedures for investigations and to address allegations of professional misconduct and fitness to practice and legal protection for whistleblowers.
Unlicensed people who treat animals in a harmful way will face penalties of up to $25,000 for a first offence and $50,000 for repeat offences.
For corporations, the fine are $50,000 for a first offence and $200,000 for subsequent offences.
