We are proud to announce Toronto Humane Society’s Phil Nichols, CAWA, RVT, Chief Executive Officer, and Kirsti Clarida, RVT, our Director of Academic Strategy, have been selected as two of the three Registered Veterinary Technicians (RVTs) appointed to the newly established College of Veterinarians Ontario (CVO) Transition Council. 

The Transition Council marks a significant step forward in the evolution of veterinary care in Ontario, playing a pivotal role in the creation of the College of Veterinary Professionals of Ontario (CVPO). This council is tasked with the vital responsibility of developing the regulations, by-laws, and standards that will guide the CVPO, ensuring the highest quality of veterinary care across the province. 

The Veterinary Professionals Act, passed by the Ontario legislature in June 2024, empowers the Transition Council to shape the future of veterinary medicine. This new legislation is designed to support team-based care, recognizing the crucial roles that both veterinarians and veterinary technicians play in delivering safe, effective, and compassionate care to animals. The Transition Council comprises 13 licensed veterinarians, four provincial government appointees, and three RVTs, making it a diverse and representative body for the veterinary profession. 

Jan Robinson, Registrar and Chief Executive Officer of the CVO, emphasized the historic nature of this moment: “This is a historic time for the veterinary profession in Ontario as the College of Veterinarians of Ontario evolves into the College of Veterinary Professionals of Ontario.” 

The inclusion of RVTs on the Transition Council underscores the recognition of their vital contributions to animal healthcare. Hailey Farkas, OAVT Board President, highlighted the importance of RVTs in this new era of veterinary care: “We are pleased the new legislation recognizes the vital role of Registered Veterinary Technicians in animal healthcare, and as members of the Transition Council, also welcomes RVTs as key decision-makers. We look forward to RVTs’ ongoing involvement in shaping the future of veterinary medicine in Ontario.” 

Phil Nichols and Kirsti Clarida’s appointment to this council reflects their dedication, expertise, and leadership in the field. Their involvement will ensure that the standards and regulations set forth by the CVPO are informed by a deep understanding of both the challenges and opportunities within the profession. 

The inaugural meeting of the Transition Council is scheduled for September 2024, marking the beginning of a transformative period in veterinary care in Ontario. As this new governing body takes shape, we are confident that Phil and Kirsti’s contributions will help to enhance the quality of care provided to animals across the province. 

Please join us in congratulating Phil and Kirsti on this remarkable achievement. Their work on the Transition Council will have a lasting impact on the veterinary profession and the animals we all care so deeply about. 

For more information on the Transition Council and the ongoing modernization of veterinary care in Ontario, please visit the College of Veterinarians of Ontario.