Council
The College’s governing Council and its committees meet regularly throughout the year to make decisions concerning the College’s policy work and initiatives which enable it to meet its mandate of protecting and serving the public interest. Council meetings are open the public.
Members of Council
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Dr. Alana Parisi, President
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Dr. Wade Wright, 1st Vice-President (he/him)
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Dr. Harold Kloeze, 2nd Vice-President
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Dr. Patricia Alderson
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Dr. Claire Beauchamp
- Dr. Lorie Gold
- Dr. Louise Kelly (she/her)
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Ms. Catherine Knipe
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Profession-based regulation
In Ontario, veterinarians have the privilege of profession-based regulation. This means the government trusts the veterinary profession to keep the public interest, rather than self-interest, at the forefront in regulating the practice and conduct of veterinarians.
There are mechanisms in place to ensure the work of the College is guided by the public interest. Public members are appointed by the provincial government to serve on Council and Committees. The College and Council are accountable to the provincial government through the Minister of Agriculture, Food and Rural Affairs. The College is funded by the licence fees paid by each veterinarian in the province.
Ontario’s veterinarians value professionalism and are committed to ensuring that the public receives quality, ethical care. Regulatory Colleges, many of which exist in human health care, were established to protect the public’s right to safe, effective and ethical service.
Role of Council/Councillor
The Council of the College of Veterinarians of Ontario regulates the practice of veterinary medicine in Ontario to protect the public interest. It is made up of 11 veterinarians from regions across the province, one academic representative, one representative of federally employed veterinarians and five public members appointed by the provincial government. Council members are elected for three-year terms and are expected to attend Council meetings four times a year and serve on at least one statutory committee. Council meetings are open to the public.
The Council sets the College’s strategic objectives and policy direction, while the College’s staff, led by the Registrar and Chief Executive Officer, carries out the day-to-day operations of the College. The work of the College includes:
- licensing veterinarians
- performing facility inspections & accrediting veterinary facilities
- developing and administering quality assurance programs
- establishing and maintaining professional and ethical standards of practice
- providing investigations and resolutions process for situations when the standards have not been met
The Council is responsible for directing the work of the College. In policy development, Council engages in evidence-informed decision-making by reviewing briefing notes compiled by staff. Council determines the policy direction of the College and develops the strategic plan.
Principles for Good Governance
The Council of the College of Veterinarians of Ontario embraces a principle-based approach to good governance. Through a set of endorsed and published principles, the College seeks to build and sustain a proactive regulatory culture that is demonstrated in its behaviour. These principles serve to guide Council and its staff in decision making by safeguarding against any potential undue influence and fostering trustworthiness.
In collaboration, we strive to be:
TRANSPARENT: Ethical, fair, clear and direct
RELIABLE: Competent, well-informed, evidence-based and adequately resourced
RELEVANT: Risk-aware, current, responsive and nimble
INDEPENDENT: Mandate-focused and objective
COMPASSIONATE: Approachable, supportive and adaptable to context
INCLUSIVE: Respectful of all voices, conscious of personal bias, open-minded and committed to learning
ACCOUNTABLE: Performance driven, impact oriented and publicly responsible