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CVMA welcomes Health Canada's Ministerial Reliance Order to improve access to veterinary drugs
July 27, 2026
The Canadian Veterinary Medical Association (CVMA) welcomes Health Canada's new Ministerial Reliance Order for veterinary drugs, an important step toward improving access to veterinary medications while maintaining Canada's high standards for safety, efficacy, and quality. The Order allows Health Canada to make greater use of decisions and scientific reviews from trusted international regulatory authorities when reviewing eligible veterinary drug submissions. By reducing unnecessary duplication and improving regulatory efficiency, the Order has the potential to improve access to the medications that are essential for veterinarians to provide high-quality care.
This milestone reflects years of collaboration between Health Canada and organizations across Canada's animal health community to modernize the regulatory framework for veterinary drugs. Improving access to veterinary drugs has been a longstanding advocacy priority for the CVMA. Through our Pharmaceutical Access Advisory Group and ongoing engagement with government and sector partners, we've consistently advocated for practical approaches that improve access while maintaining Canada's high standards for safety, efficacy, and quality. We're pleased to see these collaborative efforts reflected in measures that will help veterinarians access the medications they need to care for animals.
"Veterinarians need timely access to safe and effective medications to provide the best possible care for animals," said Dr. Kathleen MacMillan, President of the CVMA. "We're pleased to see Health Canada take this important step toward a more efficient regulatory process that will help veterinarians access the tools they need. We look forward to continuing to work together as these changes are implemented."
Access to veterinary drugs helps ensure veterinarians have the tools they need to diagnose, prevent, and treat disease. It also supports animal health and welfare, strengthens food security, and helps the profession respond to emerging animal health threats. The CVMA welcomes this announcement as another important step toward a more efficient regulatory system and improved availability of veterinary drugs in Canada.
The CVMA looks forward to continuing to work with Health Canada and partners as the Ministerial Reliance Order is implemented. We remain committed to working collaboratively to support veterinarians and improve timely access to the veterinary drugs they need to protect animal health and welfare across Canada.