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B.C. Veterinarian Recognized with Distinguished Award for Lifelong Commitment to Animal Welfare, Veterinary Profession
June 26, 2025
Victoria, B.C. – Dr. Al Longair was honoured with the 2025 Canadian Veterinary Medical Association (CVMA) Distinguished Member Award during the Annual CVMA Awards Gala on June 25, in recognition of more than four decades of exceptional service to veterinary medicine and animal welfare.
Dr. Longair graduated from the Western College of Veterinary Medicine (WCVM) in 1977 and began his career in mixed animal practice in Duncan, B.C., later focusing exclusively on small animals. He co-founded a thriving multi-species practice, known for its high standards of care and mentorship.
Throughout his career, Dr. Longair has led with quiet determination and integrity. “It would be easy to find a more high-profile recipient, but that only strengthens our view that this award is worthy recognition of someone who has worked quietly in the background, securing profound results,” says Dr. Fraser Davidson, President of the Society of BC Veterinarians (SBCV).
His long-standing leadership in animal is evident through his over 20 years of volunteering with the BC SPCA, serving 12 years as President of his local branch and 10 years on the provincial board, including four as President. Under his leadership, the SPCA enacted major policy reforms, including ending the practice of euthanizing healthy animals based solely on time in shelter. “The BC SPCA became the most well-respected operation in North America, morphing from an administratively focused organization to one focused on compassion,” says Marsha Todd, former President of the West Vancouver BC SPCA Branch, as cited by Dr. Davidson.
He also played a key role in the creation of the CVMA-SBCV Chapter following regulatory changes in British Columbia. As one of the SBCV’s inaugural and long-serving board members, Dr. Longair was instrumental in growing the organization into the CVMA’s first and only independent chapter.
A tireless advocate for humane treatment, Dr. Longair served as chair of the CVMA Animal Welfare Committee in the early 1990s and worked to promote education on pain and suffering in animals, long before it was widely accepted. He visited veterinary colleges across Canada to speak about pain recognition and animal welfare, helping shape veterinary curricula and practice standards. His legacy also includes direct advocacy – he once successfully persuaded a truck manufacturer to pull an ad showing a dog tied in the back of a moving vehicle.
“Dr. Longair’s commitment to excellence, and highly compassionate nature, paved the way for practicing veterinarians to become drivers in the animal welfare realm,” says Dr. Bettina Bobsien, equine veterinarian and animal welfare advocate.
The CVMA Distinguished Member Award is presented to a CVMA member for long and outstanding service on CVMA Council, Executive, Boards and Committees, or for outstanding contributions to the veterinary profession.
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The Canadian Veterinary Medical Association (CVMA) is the national and international voice for Canada’s veterinarians, providing leadership and advocacy for veterinary medicine. Each year, the CVMA proudly recognizes individuals and groups for their outstanding contribution to veterinary medicine. Visit canadianveterinarians.net to learn more about the CVMA.
Contact:
Ashley Dupont
Communications Officer
Canadian Veterinary Medical Association (CVMA)
613-236-1162 ext. 125
adupont@cvma-acmv.org