Dr. Brian Evans
Former CVO for Canada, 1998-2013
Dr. Brian Evans, though technically retired, continues to play an active role in the veterinary community. He serves as the Treasurer and an ex-officio member of both the Executive Committee and the Council of the Canadian Veterinary Medical Association (CVMA). Additionally, he is a member of the Advisory Board of the McEachran Institute, Canada’s first think tank dedicated to integrating the health of communities, animals, and nature.
Dr. Evans earned his Bachelor of Science in Agriculture with a focus on Genetics and Nutrition from the University of Guelph in 1974 and his Doctor of Veterinary Medicine from the same institution in 1978. He was honored with degrees of Laws and Letters from the University of Guelph in 2013 and the University of Calgary in 2014.
He served as Canada’s Chief Veterinary Officer for 15 years, from 1998 to 2013, making him the second-longest-serving individual in that role. Among his significant contributions were mentoring future leaders, establishing a veterinary student internship program, deploying veterinarians internationally in response to disease outbreaks, and enhancing collaboration between the Council of Chief Veterinary Officers and the Council of Chief Medical Officers of Health. His work increased international recognition of Canada’s veterinary services and animal health programs.
Dr. Evans is committed to addressing misinformation and enhancing public confidence in science. He hopes that current CVOs will effectively engage public health and eco-health professionals to advance One Health initiatives, addressing threats at the intersection of animal health, public health, and ecosystem health.
In June 2024, Dr. Evans was honored with appointment to the Order of Canada. He expresses that while the recognition is deeply humbling, the true reward came from the people he met, the places he visited, and the continuous learning and growth experienced throughout his career. He hopes this highlights the impact of the veterinary profession on people’s lives and livelihoods.