The law will also streamline the complaint resolution process and increase penalties for actions that intentionally harm an animal
Legislation designed to improve access to professional animal care was introduced by the Ontario government today.
The Enhancing Professional Care for Animals Act would allow for “formalization of a wide range of training for veterinary technicians that may result in an expanded role,” according to a news release. “The law will also streamline the process for resolving complaints and increase penalties for actions that intentionally harm an animal.”
“Continued access to safe and professional care is critical for pet owners and farmers which is why we are proposing to modernize the 35-year-old legislative framework that regulates the profession of veterinarian,” said Lisa Thompson, Minister of Agriculture. “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 new law should provide several important benefits, including:
- Enable the creation of a formal training scope for veterinary technicians that will allow them to perform to the full potential of their training and expertise.
- New requirements for continuing education, similar to other regulated professions.
- An improved complaints resolution process to allow disputes to be resolved more quickly.
- Increased penalties to better reflect the seriousness of actions that may harm animals.
- Ensuring more public representation on the regulatory college council overseeing veterinary professionals to bring broader perspectives.
The government is expanding veterinary capacity in Ontario’s underserved areas through the Veterinary Incentive Program that provides up to $50,000 for up to 100 recently licensed veterinarians located in an underserved area to provide pet care livestock and poultry in these communities.
The government is also working to increase access to veterinary care by providing $14.7 million over two years to create 20 new veterinary school spaces each year.
“This is a historic moment for Registered Veterinary Technicians (RVTs), and I am extremely proud of the work we did with Minister Thompson to get here,” said Kirsti Clarida, President, Ontario Association of Veterinary Technicians. “This new legislation will expand the scope of practice for RVTs, positioning Ontario as a future-ready leader in veterinary medicine regulation by enabling RVTs to participate in practice-based veterinary care team across the full range of their skills and training. We look forward to continuing to work with the Ontario government to grow our profession.”
