Commonly Asked GR Questions
In most editions of Bark at Queen’s Park in Focus, the article includes commonly (or not-so-common but interesting) government relation questions that members have asked over the past few months. Since these questions tend to come up often, the Q and As will also be posted in this section of our website. If you have any questions or require any more information on any if the Q and As, please contact OVMA’s Manager of Government & External Relations, Angela Cerovic, at acerovic@ovma.org or 1.800.670.1702 ext. 24.
Q: The City of Toronto passed a by-law that requires business retailers to charge for single-use plastic bags. Does this apply to veterinary clinics?
A: Toronto’s new by-law did take effect June 1st and requires retailers to charge 5 cents for these single-use plastic bags and business owners to list the charge on the receipt. However, because the primary type of business veterinarians offer is one of a service-nature, the by-law does not apply to Toronto veterinary clinics. Although the provincial government has been contemplating requiring all retailers to eventually charge for single-use plastic bags, no such requirement has been implemented at this time. Some government agencies like the LCBO have decided to phase-out plastic bags all together right across the province and many of the larger grocery stores do charge for these single-use plastic bags. We do encourage members to promote clients use environmentally friendly bags. Receptionists can ask, “Do you need a bag today or did you bring an environmentally friendly one?” It not only helps the environment but it’s one less expense for the veterinary clinic, as little as it may be.
We also encourage veterinarians to check with their local municipality to see if they have any specific by-laws pertaining to charging clients for these types of bags. Just because Toronto’s by-law does not pertain to veterinary clinics, does not mean other municipalities cannot implement a similar by-law that would apply to veterinary clinics.
Q: I thought I remember reading that OVMA has partnered with a couple of companies who offer pet products to pet-foster parents participating in SafePet program when fostering an animal. Is this true? If so, where can I find more information?
A: Yes, it’s true! After the pet is assessed by the veterinarian and before it is placed in a temporary home, the veterinary clinic can obtain a “Free Pet Food and Product” from the OVMA website. Medi-Cal/Royal Canin© offers a bag of food and a bag of treats for the animal and Enjoy Pro Products provides the pet foster parent with a generous basket consisting of pet products that will help the animal (and the pet foster parent) adjust to their new, temporary arrangement. We are fortunate to work with such kind organizations to make the SafePet program a success.
Q: One of my staff members has been called for jury duty. Am I am required to continue to pay his/her salary while away?
A: It is every citizen’s civic duty to serve as a juror when called and chosen for jury duty. Unfortunately, each case differs in length and it is difficult to determine how long one will have to serve and miss work. Employers are not required to pay for employees while they are away on jury duty, however, they are required to ensure that they can return to their job once jury duty responsibilities are over. Their position must be the same as before leaving for jury duty and they cannot be penalized for missing work while serving as a juror (e.g., reduced hours upon return to work). Jurors do receive a nominal allowance for each day after 40 days, serving as a juror. Employers are encouraged to communicate with any salaried staff who has been called to serve, to make arrangements that suit both the needs of the clinic and the staff member. For more information on jury duty obligations, please visit Ontario’s Ministry of the Attorney General’s website at www.attorneygeneral.jus.gov.on.ca.
Ottawa specific
Q. Does Ottawa’s new by-law that requires businesses to close in the morning of Remembrance Day apply to veterinary hospitals?
A. The City of Ottawa’s by-law that requires businesses to stay closed until 12:30 p.m. on November 11, pertains to certain classes of retail establishments but does not include veterinary practices. Veterinary hospitals may continue to operate under usual business hours. If owners wish to give employees this time off, they may do so but are not obligated.
Toronto specific
Q. The City of Toronto now requires that my veterinary hospital install backflow prevention devices to plumbing fixtures. If I rent, who is responsible for paying for these changes, me or the landlord?
A. The responsibility lies with the property owner. It would be in your best interest to notify your landlord of these obligations in case he or she is unaware of these new City requirements. For more information on the new backflow prevention guidelines, please visit: http://www.toronto.ca/water/protecting_quality/backflow_prevention/index.htm