Dr. Michel Major
Former CVO for Quebec, 2010-2015
Dr. Michel Major is a retired veterinarian with a distinguished career in animal health. He earned his Doctor of Veterinary Medicine (DVM) from the University of Montreal in 1983 and later completed a specialized diagnostic training program in laboratory medicine (IPSAV) in 1989.
Dr. Major served as Chief Veterinary Officer (CVO) for Quebec from 2010, when the position was established, until 2015. His time as CVO was marked by notable achievements, including the implementation of a coordinated plan to combat antimicrobial resistance in Quebec. This initiative brought together governments, universities, laboratories, colleges, professional associations, and producer groups. He also negotiated a formal agreement with the Canadian Food Inspection Agency (CFIA) for animal health emergency measures specific to Quebec and played a pivotal role in advancing the One Health concept through the "Stratégie québécoise de santé et de bien-être des animaux: Pour Une santé bien pensée!"
Dr. Major’s work was instrumental in fostering a collaborative approach to animal health and welfare in the province.
A memorable moment in Dr. Major's career involves his admiration for Brian Evans' presentations. He recalls the early 2000s annual animal health conference in Ottawa, where Evans, known for his eloquence and precision, faced an unexpected challenge. During a presentation on the latest OIE annual meeting results, Evans’ slides were inadvertently mixed with tourist photos from Paris, leading to a humorous and unplanned pause in his speech. Dr. Major fondly remembers this incident as an entertaining highlight and a testament to Evans’ ability to captivate an audience even under unexpected circumstances.
Dr. Major also acknowledges Brian Evans' critical role in the creation of the Canadian Veterinary Medical Association (CMVC) and expresses deep gratitude for Evans’ extraordinary contributions to inclusion and collaboration in the field.