Letters & Submissions

The CFFO supports Bill 171, Enhancing Professional Care of Animals Act. In particular, we support the implementation of the Veterinarian Professionals Act, 2024, which will bring licensing and regulation for both veterinarians and registered veterinary technicians (RVTs) together under the same College of Veterinary Professionals. We also support provisions in the Bill which set out an exception for the confirmation of pregnancy in sheep and goats performed by a third-party through ultrasound conducted on the surface of the skin. 

April 23, 2024

Aris Babikian, MPP, Chair
Standing Committee on the Interior
c/o Thushitha Kobikrishna, Clerk

Queen’s Park
Whitney Block, Room 1405
Toronto, ON M7A 1A2

Via email:

Re: Bill 171, Enhancing Professional Care of Animals Act, 2024

Dear Members of the Standing Committee on the Interior,

The Christian Farmers Federation of Ontario (CFFO) is an Accredited Farm Organization representing the interests of over 4,000 farm families in Ontario who are called to the vocation of farming. CFFO policy promotes economically, socially, and environmentally sustainable farming, advocating that farmers receive fair return for their production and stewardship efforts.

The CFFO supports Bill 171, Enhancing Professional Care of Animals Act. In particular, we support the implementation of the Veterinarian Professionals Act, 2024, which will have both veterinarians and registered veterinary technicians (RVTs) licenced and regulated together under the same College of Veterinary Professionals. We see significant benefits for all animal owners, and especially for livestock farmers, in having both professions recognized, licensed, and regulated under one professional body. This better reflects the team approach of veterinary medicine and will ensure both types of professionals are better able to practice within their sphere of expertise and skills.

We also support provisions in the Bill which set out an exception for the confirmation of pregnancy in sheep and goats performed by a third-party through ultrasound conducted on the surface of the skin. This is in keeping with current practice in Ontario. The independent technicians currently practicing have proven to be highly skilled and effective at delivering this non-invasive scanning at an affordable rate and across a broad region, keeping this service accessible. This service as provided by independent technicians is of vital importance to the ongoing success of small ruminant animal farming in the province.

Conclusion

The CFFO supports Bill 171, Enhancing Professional Care of Animals Act. In particular, we support the implementation of the Veterinarian Professionals Act, 2024, which will bring licensing and regulation for both veterinarians and registered veterinary technicians (RVTs) together under the same College of Veterinary Professionals. We also support provisions in the Bill which set out an exception for the confirmation of pregnancy in sheep and goats performed by a third-party through ultrasound conducted on the surface of the skin.

We thank you for your consideration of our comments.

Sincerely,

A close-up of a pen

Description automatically generated with medium confidence

Ed Scharringa, President
Christian Farmers Federation of Ontario