1. OIE Performance of Veterinary Services Evaluation of Canada
Dr. Jaspinder Komal
CVO & OIE Delegate for Canada

2. PVS Evaluation of Canada
External independent process
Experts trained and certified by the OIE
Official request from OIE National Delegate
Missions are implemented on a voluntary basis
Purpose
Assess compliance with OIE standards
Identify strengths / weaknesses and area for improvements
Not an audit
Report = country property (results are confidential unless agreed to publish)

3. PVS Tool: broad system-wide evaluation
5 Levels of Advancement
Each CC assigned a level
(CC)

4. Overall Results
The assessment found Canadian veterinary services to operate at the highest level with no major weaknesses.
The OIE commended Canada for its commitment to upholding the highest standards possible and seeking means for improvement.
They thanked Canada for our leadership in being one of the first developed countries to undertake a PVS Evaluation.
Canada’s assessment is among the highest achieved internationally.

5. Scores
Of the 45 Critical Competencies (CC) evaluated, 35 were rated 5/5, the highest possible level of advancement.
Two competencies (zoning and compartmentalization) were not evaluated.
Five areas scored 4/5 and five scored 3/5
The lower scores in areas of known weakness, several of which have been addressed or significantly advanced since the PVS site visit in March, 2017.

6. Areas for improvement
The areas for improvement fall into 6 major themes:
Information management
Regulatory reforms
Traceability of animals and animal products
Engagement with industry for cost sharing
Engagement with provinces and territories
Engagement with other government departments

7. Areas to improve: Information management
Recommendation:
Review existing data capture /management systems and consider new technologies for a consolidated integrated animal health information system.
Response:
The Plant and Animal Health Strategy (PAHS), endorsed by FPT Ag Ministers in July, 2017, identifies the need to improve the collection, analysis and sharing of information.
Fully integrated, scalable automated solutions are under consideration.
For example, the Digital Service Delivery Platform (DSDP) will greatly improve access to timely inspection data.

8. Areas to improve: Regulatory reforms
Recommendations:
The report encourages finalizing a number of regulatory reforms which were in progress at the time of the evaluation.
These related to animal welfare, feed, animal traceability, veterinary drugs and food safety.
Response:
The Humane Transport Regulations are expected to be published in CGII in late 2018.
A formal regulatory proposal for CGI to modernize the Feeds Regulations is anticipated in spring, 2019.
Reforms to prescribing of veterinary drugs come into effect Dec. 1, 2018.
Many food safety related concerns will be addressed through the Safe Food for Canadians Regulations which take effect Jan. 15, 2019.

9. Areas to improve: Traceability of animals and animal products
Recommendations:
Emphasized the need for an electronic registering system for all cattle/bison births and recording and regulation of all livestock movements.
Need to ensure farm to fork traceability for animal products.
Response:
Amendments to existing traceability regulations will be published for comment in 2019.
The SFCR includes provisions for traceability and will improve efficiencies in food recalls.

10. Areas to improve: Engagement with industry for cost sharing
Recommendation:
In several areas, including many that scored 5/5, evaluators suggested increased cost sharing with industry.
Areas included operational funding, emergency response, laboratory diagnostics, active surveillance, disease prevention, control and eradication, inspection of establishments, funding of joint programs.
Response:
The CFIA will further assess and explore these recommendations especially in the context of the PAHS which aims to optimize partnerships.

11. Areas to improve: Engagement with provinces and territories
Recommendation:
Several recommendations identified weaknesses that stem from the division of jurisdictional responsibilities such as:
management of provincial slaughterhouses,
communications between P/T and CFIA operational levels,
licencing issues for veterinarians which limit interprovincial movement.
Response:
Provinces to address concerns regarding inspections.
Improved coordination with provinces part of PAHS and MOUs with CFIA Area Offices.
Licensure issues to be addressed with veterinary registrars as part of emergency management planning .

12. Areas for engagement with other government departments (OGD)
The report is very positive about the coordination between federal partners and clear governance mechanisms.
Recommendation:
Complete the development of a National Approach to Wildlife Health in Canada and action plan.
Advance regulatory actions and increase oversight over own use and active ingredient importation, OTC sales and prescription requirements for medically important antimicrobials.
Response:
The Pan-Canadian Approach to Wildlife Health in Canada was approved by FPT Ministers responsible for wildlife in June 2018.
Regulatory changes have been made to address own use and active ingredient importation. Policy changes requiring veterinary prescription for medically important antibiotics will come into effect Dec. 1, 2018.

13. Current Status
The CVO/OIE Delegate’s office and Communications and Public Affairs (CPA) developed internal and external communications products to inform stakeholders about the report and highlight its findings. (in final approval process)
The final report has been shared with provincial CVOs and other government departments to prepare for its release.
A detailed Management Response and Action Plan (MRAP) for internal use has been finalized.
A high-level Response Plan is being finalized to communicate CFIA’s response to the report on the public website.
Briefings held with MINO, CFIA VPs, P/T CVOs, senior management of OGDs, NFAHWC

14. NEXT STEPS
Hold technical briefing with industry to share the results (August 1st, ).
Notify OIE of date to post the report- August 2nd, 2018.
Brief FPT Regulatory ADMs on the next steps.
Use results from the PVS report to leverage the implementation of the PAHS and advance key initiatives.

15. Questions?

16. Annex 1: Summary of OIE PVS evaluation ‘Levels of Advancement’