Seven provincial veterinary technologist and technician (VT) associations have formally launched a national collaborative to strengthen the profession’s voice on issues traversing provincial borders.

The Veterinary Technician/Technologist Association Council of Canada (VTACC) was established in May 2026. It brings together the executive directors of associations representing more than 13,000 veterinary technologists and technicians across British Columbia, Alberta, Saskatchewan, Manitoba, Ontario, Quebec, and Atlantic Canada. The council’s French name is Conseil canadien des associations de techniciens et technologues vétérinaires.

VTACC says workforce shortages, scope-of-practice concerns, barriers for internationally trained professionals, inconsistent regulatory frameworks, and limited cross-provincial credential recognition require coordinated national action.

A national member survey completed in March found significant concerns about workforce shortages. It also identified a wide variation in compensation. At the same time, 90 to 94 per cent of members said their provincial association adds value. However, the respondents also said active engagement in governance and volunteerism remains a challenge.

VTACC is not a regulatory body or membership organization. It does not replace the provincial or national VT membership associations. Instead, it aims to complement their work by developing coordinated national positions on certain issues.

Each provincial association retains full autonomy. The seven executive directors make decisions by consensus, with oversight and endorsement from their respective provincial boards. The collaborative operates under a cost-sharing model, a shared governance framework, and a four-priority strategic plan through 2029.

The priorities are to build VTACC’s national identity and credibility, deepen knowledge of VTs, champion the profession nationally, and strengthen the governance framework supporting collaboration among the seven associations.

VTACC held its first formal external meeting on May 27 with the Council of Canadian Veterinary Registrars. Discussions included potential national approaches to internationally trained VTs, education accreditation standards, and scope-of-practice recognition.

Other areas of focus include workforce sustainability, safer delegation of high-risk procedures, nationally consistent pathways for internationally trained VTs, and improved mobility through cross-provincial credential recognition.

VTACC also plans to establish itself as a data-driven national voice for VTs in the forums that shape Canada’s animal health workforce.