Dear ,
I am proud to announce that the OAVT has made it past a challenging time. The events leading up to last September meant that it was very necessary that I return as President of the OAVT.
We have now made it through, and all that I needed to accomplish has been achieved.
I am confident with the skill and capacity of our new Executive Director, Rory Demetrioff, who is permanently in place to guide the OAVT to new levels of success and stability.
I have been truly humbled and honoured to have had the opportunity to guide us through the storm. But now the future looks good and it is time that I return to the demands that would keep me from being able to focus on the OAVT presidency.
You might have heard: I'm getting married next month. Also, my focus on school speaks for itself in terms of time commitments - but truly speaks for my belief in what's important for our profession to advance further.
With that said, it is my hope that the efforts that I've made as OAVT President over the last year will have a positive impact as our association grows to new levels of success.
I will still be very involved with the OAVT. I will serve on the board as Past President. And, certainly the Legislative Task Force will continue to be a top priority for me.
Now, I would like to welcome and announce Laura Sutton, who was voted President by your Board of Directors, this past weekend on October 16th.
I will stand shoulder to shoulder with Laura during this transition to make sure progress is made. Thank you for all the trust and confidence that you have had in me.
All the best,
Tara Sefton, RVT
Words from the OAVT Executive
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We are facing the dawning of a new era. For many years, Veterinary Technicians have been an integral component to delivering high quality animal health care.
We are proud of our industry and our profession. We have earned our role within the veterinary service sector by virtue of the dedication, training, education and experiences that we have all made to become vet techs.
However, the world must be aware of our role, if we are truly going to develop the respect and recognition that we seek for the work we do. To ensure that a strong voice exists for us all, to articulate our needs, and to guide as a group - we need a strong, involved, and successful OAVT.
To be an association, we must be able to represent our members' interests. And, to be a self regulating profession, we must have the courage to stand up for the truth. This comes by protecting the interests of the public and the animals which we care for.
This might not always be easy. There will be difficult decisions. There will be times of glory and times of uncertainty. But, we must stand behind the OAVT as a democratic institution to ensure that our profession, and our work, has a presence and a voice. The OAVT must be enabled to work hard on behalf of our members while protecting the interests of the public.
This new era is inspired to reach out to you as members to seek your opinions, your guidance, and your wisdom.
The OAVT will be sending you regular email communications. Sometimes there will be short reminders. Often there will be interesting updates on the new successes we are creating on behalf of you as a member.
We look forward to being in regular contact with you. If you have any questions, suggestions or comments, please give our new Executive Director, Rory Demetrioff a call.
Laura Sutton, President
Ron Southwell, Vice-President
Laura Sutton speaks from her hands-on experiences as an RVT. Having worked in a wide range of regular practices, referral hospitals, and emergency clinics, including time spent in hospital management, she has developed a broad perspective in animal health care. 
