Dr. Deb Stark served as Chief Veterinary Officer of Ontario from 2005 to 2012. During her time as CVO, she played a pivotal role in the development of Ontario’s first Animal Health Act, which was passed in 2009. This achievement was a collaborative effort involving ministry staff and support from Ontario’s livestock and poultry sectors.
Reflecting on her career, Dr. Stark hopes to see a renewed public trust in science and public health officials. Early in her role as CVO, she received a memorable question about a cat, to which she humorously suggested that the owner take the cat to a "real" veterinarian.