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PRESIDENT'S MESSAGE: What has the CVMA done for me lately? Well, let me tell you...
March 4, 2026
The CVMA council members are often asked several questions: What is the point of being a CVMA member? What value is provided? and What do we do that is "worth it?" These are valid questions when there are so many organizations that veterinarians are either required or encouraged to support. Most cost money and these days funds are tight; therefore, members need to feel they are getting good value. Services and benefits may overlap between organizations, but it is noteworthy that the CVMA provides a wide variety of programs and services that can only be offered by a strong national association.
The CVMA is a national voice on matters of importance to the veterinary community. We are an important contact for federal government departments and regularly liaise with Health Canada, the Veterinary Drug Directorate, and the Canadian Food Inspection Agency (CFIA). For example, we recently provided feedback to Health Canada on several issues, including the proposed revision of Antimicrobial Classification, veterinary drugs containing cannabidiol for animal use, and removal of diethylstilbestrol from the Canadian market. We meet regularly with CFIA to discuss disease control at the national level and to communicate our members' concerns regarding CFIA actions and policies.
Advocacy with the federal government is another key element of our outreach. Over the last 2 y, we met with 50 MPs, senators, and seniors government officials regarding 3 key asks:
- Expand the workforce via investments in veterinary infrastructure (including a National Testing Center for internationally trained veterinarians) and a pilot project to waive the Labour Market Impact Assessment for veterinary professionals wanting to come to Canada.
- Maintain and strengthen the availability of critical veterinary drugs to protect public health and safety, animal health and welfare, and food safety and security.
- Invest in targeted funding to support mental health pro-grams for veterinary professionals.
In addition to domestic activities, the CVMA is the international voice for Canadian veterinarians with various international organizations, including the World Organization for Animal Health, and several veterinary medical associations throughout the world. These relationships keep Canadian veterinarians informed of trends in veterinary regulation, animal health and welfare, and political changes that may affect animal movement and trade. Partnership with international associations is critical to inform government policies on matters such as access to medications, vaccinations, animal welfare, and emerging diseases.
The CVMA is also the main point of contact for media seeking a veterinary perspective. We strive to respond promptly and to provide the needed information, consulting with subject matter experts as required. Thankfully, through our committees and volunteers, the CVMA has a plethora of talented individuals. For complex, ongoing media issues, such as avian influenza in ostriches or concerns about belugas at Marineland, an ad hoc committee is often struck to compose a response that reflects a thoughtful national perspective.
The National Examining Board (NEB) is a critical service provided by the CVMA. However, it operates at arm's length from the CVMA and is overseen by a board of members selected by regional Veterinary Medical Associations from across Canada to ensure broad and balanced input. The NEB oversees the North American Veterinary Licensing Exam, the Pre-Surgical Assessment Exam (PSA) and the Clinical Proficiency Exam (CPE), and it issues Certificates of Qualification needed to obtain provincial licensing. This past year, the CVMA made large investments in the NEB for a psychometric analysis of the NEB process and a review and analysis of the CPE, in partnership with our American counterparts.
Finally, the CVMA provides other valuable resources through wellness initiatives, insurance discounts, the Business Management Program, the Journals, Convention, and a wide variety of activities undertaken by the Animal Welfare and National Issues Committees. Although some of these services are covered by provincial associations, particularly in larger provinces, for many smaller provinces the CVMA remains a critical service provider.
I hope I have convinced you of the value of the CVMA. We embrace our responsibilities and we work hard to pro-vide services and resources to all members, throughout Canada. Furthermore, we need each and every one of you to continue our mission; working together, there is much that we can accomplish.
–Tracy Fisher
