Dr. Erin Leonard
Former CVO for Nova Scotia
Dr. Erin Leonard is a Veterinary Epidemiologist with the Centre for Foodborne, Environmental and Zoonotic Infectious Diseases at the Public Health Agency of Canada. She obtained her Doctor of Veterinary Medicine (DVM) from the Atlantic Veterinary College in 2002 and completed a PhD in Epidemiology at the Ontario Veterinary College in 2014. Dr. Leonard served as Chief Veterinary Officer (CVO) for Nova Scotia for 12 months.
During her time as CVO, Dr. Leonard made significant contributions by re-establishing the CVO position in Nova Scotia after many years without one. Her most impactful achievement was forging strong connections with the Nova Scotia Chief Medical Officer of Health (CMOH) and other Atlantic CVOs through regular meetings and collaborative efforts. These interactions facilitated the sharing of common challenges, issues, and solutions across the four Atlantic provinces.
One of her key accomplishments was raising awareness among senior management about the challenges of managing both the provincial Animal Health Lab and the CVO role. Her efforts led to the decision to split the CVO position into two distinct roles, thereby addressing the dual responsibilities more effectively. Dr. Leonard also focused on strengthening ties with public health officials, Atlantic CVOs, and other provincial government departments, bringing the One Health concept to life in Nova Scotia and across Atlantic Canada.
Despite finding that the role of CVO was not as she had initially envisioned, Dr. Leonard considers it an incredible experience. She is a self-declared public health and zoonoses enthusiast and is pleased to see the significant achievements of the Council of Chief Veterinary Officers (CCVO) over the past two decades. She values the supportive and welcoming nature of the CCVO members and cherishes the connections she made during her time in the role.