KEMPTVILLE, Ontario – Registered Veterinary Technologists and Technicians of Canada (RVTTC) announced key executive changes on July 21, as the organization concluded its Annual General Meeting. Outgoing Board President Heather Shannon, RVT, transitions from her role after serving for four years. During her time as President, Heather supported the development and launch of RVTTC’s new RVT Career Navigator, a career planning and advancement website for the RVT profession; a National Standards of Practice for the profession; and the expansion of RVTTC’s advocacy and education network. “Heather’s dedication to our vision has been instrumental in advancing our mandate and expanding our role as a primary advocate for the RVT profession in Canada,” said Shannon Thompson, RVTTC Executive Director. “Heather’s departure will be felt greatly. We wish her every success in her new endeavors and remain grateful for her many contributions to RVTTC.”

As part of a thoughtful succession plan, RVTTC announced that Cally Merritt, RVT, has been appointed RVTTC’s Board President effective August 1, 2022. Cally graduated from the University of Guelph, Ridgetown Campus, and has been working in small animal, mixed animal, and equine practice. Amongst her many accomplishments, Cally has taught in the Veterinary Technology Program at Ridgetown, is a member of the Ontario Association of Veterinary Technicians (OAVT) Rabies Response Program and is a certified equine massage therapist.

Cally’s Board experience is extensive, having served on the OAVT Board of Directors for six years as Vice President. She has volunteered and chaired many OAVT committees including college accreditation, governance, bylaw and policy, nominations, and legislative task force. Cally has also served on RVTTC’s board and on special projects including the scope of practice taskforce, career ladder taskforce, labour mobility task force, and RVTTC representative for the development of mental health in agriculture pilot program.

The RVT profession is clearly one that Cally is committed to. “I want to continue to make the RVT profession one that people stay in for a lifetime,” said Cally. “I want to help with labour mobility so an RVT can follow their dreams and still work in the field they love no matter where they may go. I would like to see our profession offer more opportunities and specializations for RVTs to advance their careers.” It is with pleasure that RVTTC welcomes Cally to the role of Board President. “We are enthusiastic for this next phase and look forward to our continued success,” said Shannon Thompson.

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The Registered Veterinary Technologists and Technicians of Canada (RVTTC) is a not-for-profit organization representing almost 10,000 RVTs across Canada on national and international issues. RVTTS’s mission is to unite, advance, and strengthen the Registered Veterinary Technologist and Technician profession across Canada through leadership and advocacy to promote excellence in animal healthcare. To learn more about RVTTC, please visit rvttcanada.ca.

RVTTC Contact:
Shannon T. Thompson (Brownrigg) RVT (she/her)
CEO/Executive Director
sthompson@rvttcanada.ca