On behalf of Dr. Gillian Muir, Dean of WCVM:

Dear WCVM alumni and the entire veterinary community across Western Canada,

I am very sorry to let you know that Dr. Barry Blakley passed away over the weekend. He was joking and telling stories days before, and he was with his family and peaceful at the time of his passing.

It’s difficult to imagine our WCVM community without Barry, who has been part of this college for more than 50 years – as a veterinary student, a graduate student, a teacher, a department head, a researcher, a diagnostician, a mentor and a true storyteller.

Barry was internationally known for his expertise in veterinary toxicology. In addition to his teaching, research and diagnostic work at the WCVM and Prairie Diagnostic Services, Barry played an integral role in helping to develop the University of Saskatchewan’s Toxicology Centre. In recognition of his efforts, Barry received a Lifetime Achievement Award from the centre during its 40th anniversary celebrations in June 2023.

Barry’s commitment and outstanding service to the college, and to veterinarians and producers across Western Canada cannot be overstated. The Saskatchewan Veterinary Medical Association (SVMA) also honoured Barry for his service to the SVMA, the profession and the public by presenting him with the J.J. Murison Distinguished Veterinarian Award in 2019 — the highest level of recognition that the SVMA can bestow on a member.

Barry has been a good friend, colleague and supporter to many of us. For me, Barry played a very important role in my life — personally and professionally — and I know that so many others feel the same.

The funeral service for Dr. Blakley will take place next week.

Time: 1 p.m., Friday, March 22, 2024

Location: Augustana Evangelical Lutheran Church

Address: 1201 Broadway Ave, Saskatoon, Sask.

For those unable to attend in person, the funeral will be livestreamed in Room 2115 for the WCVM community.

Online access: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=PhpKXURL6Zw

Barry, with his usual generosity, has established a scholarship: the Barry Blakley Graduate Student Award. Dr. Blakley’s family requests that donations be made to this scholarship in lieu of flowers or other gifts. To contribute, visit https://donate.usask.ca/online/wcvm.php (select the “Barry Blakley Graduate Student Award” under the “Gift Designation” tab).

Barry will be sorely missed by all of us, and we send our deepest condolences to his family.

The obituary for Dr. Blakley can be found at the following link: https://www.dignitymemorial.com/en-ca/obituaries/saskatoon-sk/barry-blakley-11703525

The MVMA is looking for a veterinarian to join the MVMA and MVTA at the Fort Richmond Collegiate Career Symposium on April 11 from 9 am – 12 pm.

Please email michelle@mvma.ca if interested.

Red River College Polytechnic (RRCP) is looking for small animal cadavers under 30 lbs, with a preference for males. These cadavers are utilized for various educational labs; animals with profuse skin disease or that have died through traumatic circumstances cannot be accepted because they do not hold up well to being frozen and subsequently thawed. RRCP will pay for the cremation costs for all donated animals once they are no longer suitable for educational purposes.

Please contact Heather Laurie at hlaurie@rrc.ca for further information or if you have a cadaver you feel would fit our needs.

Strategies for Recruiting Foreign-Trained Veterinarians

This presentation outlines strategies for recruiting foreign-trained veterinarians to address the industry’s talent demand in Canada. It covers global accredited veterinary colleges, the international mobility program, and the temporary foreign worker program, providing insight into recruitment processes and opportunities. The webinar will be followed by a brief Q&A session. Please register for your preferred time and language below. For CVMA members only

Anthony Lawley, BBA, CHRL, RCIC

Anthony is the Founding Partner and President of IVEY Group. Anthony is a bilingual International Recruiter & Immigration Specialist with a strong desire to guide organizations and people in the achievement of their overall personal, economic, social, and professional objectives by providing expert advice in regard to recruitment, manpower, and immigration strategies. As well as being a Certified Human Resources Leader (CHRL), as recognized by the Human Resources Professionals Association (HRPA), Anthony is also a Registered Canadian Immigration Consultant in good standing with the College of Immigration and Citizenship Consultants.

The Sir James Dunn Animal Welfare Centre (SJDAWC) at the Atlantic Veterinary College (AVC) invites you to its three-part webinar series on post-pandemic animal welfare issues in veterinary behavioural medicine. The webinars feature Dr. Karen Overall, professor of behavioural medicine, AVC, and will take place on March 12, 19 and 26, all beginning at 4 p.m. ADT.

This webinar series will discuss how the COVID-19 pandemic affects the early life environment and experiences of canine and feline patients.  The series will end with a review of new and exciting research in veterinary behavioural medicine.

Veterinarians and veterinary technicians are eligible for continuing education credit. The webinar cost is $60 per webinar, or $150 for all three.

IMPORTANT TO NOTE: Participating veterinarians and veterinary technicians are eligible to earn one hour of RACE-accredited continuing education per webinar. Participants are required to attend the live webinar to earn this credit. (RACE-program number: 20-1163580)

For more information:  awc.upei.ca/webinars/

To register:  Click here – Eventbrite

Email: animalwelfare@upei.ca

Website: awc.upei.ca 

Wednesday February 21, 2024

Strategic Time Mastery: Making Room for What Matters

Join coaches Amy Oliver and Carly Crewe for a free virtual event. Discover the art of effective prioritization, unlocking productivity and work-life balance. Dive into proven techniques like, and learn how to apply them to your daily tasks with real-world examples.

Monday March 4, 2024 

Business 101- 10 Key Steps to a Thriving Healthcare Practice

Calling all owners of community-based healthcare practices! Join us for a free virtual event. Are you looking to give your business a boost and lead your practice toward growth? Amy Oliver + Co. invites you to a virtual session that introduces you to the fundamentals of business success, specifically crafted for the healthcare sector

You can learn more and register for both events here!

Members Benefits Survey

To continuously improve our services and offerings, we would greatly appreciate your feedback through this survey. This will help us understand your preferences, needs, and expectations better.

Fill Out Our Members Benefits Survey Here

Animal Health & Welfare CE

Thursday, March 28 @ 7:00 PM

Join Dr. Lisa Joachim from the Animal Health and Welfare Branch as she discusses animal welfare issues in Manitoba and when to contact the animal welfare branch about concerns.

This is a free CE event and attendees will earns 1 CE credit hour.

REGISTER HERE

Goldeyes Game in support of the Canadian Animal Blood Bank

Friday, May 31 @  7:00 PM

Join MVMA members, their families, and staff at the Winnipeg Goldeye’s Game, $5 from each ticket will be donated to the Canadian Animal Blood Bank. Limited tickets available!

BUY TICKETS HERE

Member Engagement: RVT Utilization & Specialization

Wednesday, June 12 @ 7:00 PM

REGISTER HERE

While the time commitment is minimal (approximately 30-45 minutes of your time), your insights and feedback will be incredibly valuable.  To learn more or if you are interested in contributing, please contact Shaneice Fletcher-Hildebrand at shaneice.fletcher@usask.ca or Maggie Coupland at Maggie.coupland@usask.ca. This research has been approved by the University of Saskatchewan Behavioural Ethics Board.