April 22, 2020
Dear CVBC Registrants;
 
I hope this note finds you and yours healthy and safe during these uncertain times. As we move into the sixth week of radical changes to our lives I hope, like myself, you might also be starting to feel a bit of optimism around the gradual return to normal that is being suggested by our provincial government and colleagues in public health. I am reaching out at this time to connect with you as we continue to navigate this situation together as a CVBC community.
 
I wanted to keep you informed of recent developments at the College since my last communication. Your Council and staff have been working exceptionally hard during these unprecedented times to continue the essential functions of our College. Council has held weekly or bi-weekly video conferences since the start of the COVID-19 restrictions in order to stay abreast of this rapidly changing situation. Our office staff have gone above and beyond to continue to operate to provide the necessary services and functions that are required by our self-governing professional obligations to protect the public. Our committees continue to function, and their volunteer veterinary and public members and contributing staff are having to adapt their normal processes to accommodate. 
 
In all we continue to provide the structure and function required to maintain the privilege of self-governance. 
On another very positive note, I am pleased to announce that as of April 20 th Dr. Jane Pritchard has stepped into the Registrar duties as an Interim Registrar of CVBC. Dr. Pritchard has very recently retired as the Chief Veterinary Officer of the province and Director of the Animal Health Branch. She has graciously agreed to shorten her retirement to three weeks, stepping in to help the CVBC through this next year of transition. Dr. Pritchard comes with a long and distinguished history of public service spent with the province. Her knowledge and experience with the Ministry of Agriculture, regulation and governance, and the veterinary profession in general will prove invaluable to help steer the College through this next transitional phase.
I would like to personally, and on behalf of Council, extend sincerest thanks to Dr. Stacey Thomas, the Acting Registrar for her outstanding commitment and dedication to the College over these last seven weeks.
 
Please join me in welcoming Dr. Jane Pritchard to the role of Interim Registrar of the College of Veterinarians of BC. I have absolute confidence that working together we will meet the challenges that we continue to face during this time.
 
Best Wishes,
 
Dr. Josh Waddington
CVBC Council President

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Council has approved the following temporary Registration Committee Policy regarding bylaw examinations and registration decisions