Dr. Wayne Lees
Former CVO for Manitoba, 2005-2014
Dr. Wayne Lees, DVM, MSc, is a veterinary epidemiologist known for his leadership in animal health, food safety, and public health in Canada. Currently, he coordinates the Squeal on Pigs Manitoba project, which aims to eliminate invasive wild pigs from the province, supported by the Manitoba Pork Council and government funding.
Dr. Lees earned his DVM from the Western College of Veterinary Medicine and an MSc in Veterinary Epidemiology from the University of Guelph. He served as Manitoba's first Chief Veterinary Officer (CVO) from 2005 to 2014, overseeing animal health, welfare, and food safety programs. He implemented the One Health approach, integrating provincial departments to manage health emergencies like the 2010 avian influenza outbreak and the 2011 flood.
As the national surveillance lead for the Canadian Animal Health Surveillance Network, Dr. Lees helped establish an early warning system for animal diseases. In 2008, he chaired the Council of Chief Veterinary Officers of Canada, developing a national strategic plan for farmed animal health, later leading to the formation of Animal Health Canada.
In retirement, Dr. Lees continues to address public health challenges, including food safety policy, antimicrobial resistance, and invasive species control. His work reflects a lifelong commitment to the One Health approach, emphasizing collaboration and holistic thinking.