In Ontario, the Veterinarians Act, Regulation 1093 under the Act, the by-laws and the Minimum Standards for Veterinary Facilities in Ontario regulate the veterinary profession. The Veterinarians Act sets out the role of the CVO as well as its authority and powers. The Veterinarians Act falls under the jurisdiction of the provincial government, the Ontario Ministry of Agriculture and Food.

  CVO Legislation

The CVO has statutory committees as described in the legislation, non-statutory committees established under the by-laws and ad hoc committees appointed by council as required. Committees are composed of council members, other veterinarians and members of the public, called public members. Public members are appointed by the provincial government and participate and vote in all decisions made by the CVO's council and committees. The statutory committees of council, executive, registration, complaints, discipline and accreditation carry out the aims of the CVO as dictated by the Veterinarians Act.

The decisions made by the CVO's registration, accreditation and complaints committees can be appealed to the Health Professions Appeal and Review Board. The Health Professions Appeal and Review Board is a provincial body, comprised of people not in the health professions, that reports to the legislative assembly through the minister of Health.

 Regulation of the Veterinary Profession in Ontario INFO SHEET