CVO releases 2023 Annual Report
January 17, 2024
The College of Veterinarians of Ontario (College) licensed 5,544 Ontario veterinarians in 2023, an increase of 11 percent since 2019, according to the 2023 Annual Report.
“The 2023 Annual Report demonstrates the College’s work in fulfilling its mandate as we progress towards modernized legislation that will serve the public, support veterinary teams and benefit animal welfare. Our Council is innovative and forward-looking and our Annual Report details the initiatives and achievements which demonstrate the results from that commitment.”
Dr. Wade Wright, President of the College
In 2022, the Hon. Lisa Thompson, Ontario's Minister of Agriculture, Food and Rural Affairs, announced the Veterinarians Act is due for modernization. Last year, Council was pleased to participate in the province’s consultation and is energized to be leading this path of change in collaboration with our partners.
“Legislative reform is one pillar in the College's new strategic plan, Strategy 2026, which also includes work on improved access to veterinary services, creating space for innovation and technology, One Health, and focusing regulation on people and context. Our Council is steadfast in fulfilling its mandate with diligence, purpose and innovation.”
Dr. Wright
In reviewing 2023, Council celebrates launching the new facility accreditation model and standards, relocating the College office to an eco-friendly and functional office space, establishing a new panel looking at innovation in veterinary care delivery, supporting solutions to animal care with regulatory sandbox projects, returning to in-person Council meetings, and publishing a new website. The College has a lengthy list of activities which enable it to have impact on the delivery of safe, quality veterinary medicine in Ontario.
The 2023 Annual Report includes a Supplementary Data Report which compiles data across all College programs over the past five years. The College issued 5,544 licences and accredited 2,400 veterinary facilities. In investigations and hearings, the Complaints Committee reviewed 241 complaints involving 282 veterinarians. The Discipline Committee heard 8 cases involving 7 veterinarians. Further, the College's practice advisory service responded to 1,813 inquiries from veterinary teams and the public.
The 2023 Annual Report and the Supplementary Data Report are available on the College website.
The College Council is committed to managing the risks involved in the practice of veterinary medicine in Ontario and working to reduce any potential for harm to animals and to people. The College’s governing Council is comprised of 13 elected veterinarians and five public members, appointed by the provincial government.