About

About the CCAC

Volunteers 2024-2025

Volunteers are essential to the CCAC’s success. Every year, thousands of scientists, instructors, veterinarians, animal health and welfare experts, and members of the Canadian public contribute their knowledge and skills to our mission. Their hard work and dedication to the ethical care and use of animals in science enables us to carry out key aspects of our mandate related to guidelines setting and maintenance, assessment and certification, and training and networking. We invite you to join other members of our community in making a difference and contributing to the ethical care and use of animals in science across Canada.

The volunteers mentioned below are by no means an exhaustive list. The CCAC would also like to thank all those who participate on institutional animal care committees, review CCAC guidelines documents, and consult with individual certified institutions for their constant commitment and expertise.

Member Representatives

The CCAC’s member organizations each appoint one representative to attend the annual general meeting with the authority to vote on the member organization’s behalf.

Member Representatives

Dr. Sylvain Bourgoin | Association of Faculties of Medicine of Canada
Dr. Philip Byrne | Fisheries and Oceans Canada
Dr. Shannon Digweed | Council of Canadian Departments of Psychology
Ms. Kathy Duncan | Humane Canada™
Dr. Carissa Embury-Hyatt | Canadian Food Inspection Agency
Ms. Grace Feeney | Canadian Bioethics Society
Ms. Megan Fuller | Canadian Association for Laboratory Animal Science
Dr. Daniel Graf | Association of Canadian Faculties of Dentistry
Dr. Ashok Jadhav | Canadian Association for Laboratory Animal Medicine
Dr. Digvir Jayas | University of Lethbridge
Ms. Colleen McElwain | Animal Health Canada
Dr. Martha Navarro | Health Canada
Dr. Tammy Rodela | Canadian Society of Zoologists
Dr. Albrecht Schulte-Hostedde | Canadian Society for Ecology and Evolution
Dr. Cathy Schuppli | Canadian Veterinary Medical Association
Dr. Céline Ster | Agriculture and Agri-Food Canada
Mr. Scott Unger | Environment and Climate Change Canada
Dr. Ellen Watkiss | Defence Research Development Canada
Dr. Risini Weeratna | National Research Council Canada
Dr. Craig Wilkinson | Dean's Council - Agriculture, Food and Veterinary Medicine

Other Member Organizations:

Canadian Cancer Society
Heart and Stroke Foundation of Canada
Innovative Medicines Canada

Standing Committees

The CCAC’s five standing committees play an invaluable advisory role by providing guidance and recommendations to the board on their areas of expertise.

Assessment and Certification Committee

Dr. Scott MacDougall-Shackleton, Chair | Western University
Mr. Don Barton | Calgary, AB
Dr. Sylvain Bourgoin | Université Laval
Dr. Anne-Marie Catudal | Université Laval
Dr. Chereen Collymore | Charles River Laboratories
Dr. Shannon Digweed | MacEwan University
Dr. Marc Ekker | University of Ottawa
Dr. Carissa Embury-Hyatt | Canadian Food Inspection Agency
Ms. Grace Feeney | University of Toronto
Ms. Francine Giroux | Saint-Simon-de-Bagot, QC
Dr. Daniel Graf | University of British Columbia
Mr. Andrew Hebda | Saint Mary's University
Dr. Ashok Jadhav | Canadian Nuclear Laboratories
Dr. Ovidiu Jumanca | Montreal Clinical Research Institute
Ms. Aleah McCorry | MacEwan University
Ms. Colleen McElwain | Animal Health Canada
Dr. Jeffrey Richards, Board Liaison | University of British Columbia
Mr. Scott Unger | Environment and Climate Change Canada
Dr. Ellen Watkiss | Defence Research Development Canada
Dr. Risini Weeratna | National Research Council Canada
Mr. David Wilton | Woodstock, ON

Finance and Operations Committee

Dr. Lucie Côté, Treasurer and Chair | Research Institute of the McGill University Health Centre
Dr. Michael Czubryt | St. Boniface Hospital Research Centre
Mr. Dan Fryer | VCA Canada
Ms. Catherine Rushton, CPA, CA | Belleville, ON

Governance and Nominations Committee

Dr. Denna Benn, Chair | University of Guelph
Dr. Jean-François Cloutier | McGill University
Dr. Richard Dyck | University of Calgary
Dr. Michelle Groleau | Canadian Veterinary Medical Association

Public Affairs and Communications Committee

Dr. Digvir Jayas, Chair | University of Lethbridge
Ms. Kathy Duncan | Humane Canada™
Ms. Megan Fuller | Innovakine Therapeutics Inc.
Ms. Katie Gray | Toronto Zoo
Mr. Jamie Hall | University of British Columbia
Dr. Albrecht Schulte-Hostedde | Laurentian University
Mr. Quentin Tsang | Queen’s University
Dr. Craig Wilkinson | University of Alberta
Dr. Andrew Winterborn, Board Liaison | Queen’s Univeristy

Standards Committee

Dr. Martha Navarro, Chair | Health Canada
Dr. Philip Byrne | Fisheries and Oceans Canada
Ms. Mélanie Denommé | St. Catharines, ON
Ms. Leigh Gaffney | University of Victoria
Dr. Vanessa Oliver, Board Liaison | University of Calgary
Ms. Suzanne Richardson | University of British Columbia
Dr. Tammy Rodela | St. Francis Xavier University
Dr. Cathy Schuppli | University of British Columbia
Dr. Valerie Smid | Health Canada
Ms. Céline Ster | Agriculture and Agri-Food Canada

Guidelines Development Subcommittees

Members are selected for their expertise on a specific animal, topic, or practice. These volunteer experts are drawn from both the scientific and animal welfare communities and represent a wide array of knowledge and skills.

Dogs

Dr. Cathy Schuppli, Chair | University of British Columbia
Dr. Sarah Baert | University of Guelph
Dr. Anthony Carr | University of Saskatchewan
Ms. Christina de Rivera-Wagar | InterVivo Solutions
Ms. Mae Drolet-Giroux | Montréal, QC
Dr. Simon Gadbois | Dalhousie University
Ms. Jennifer Heathcote | Telemark Veterinary Consulting Inc.
Dr. Rebecca Ledger | Langara College
Dr. Albert Licollari | Nucro-Tecnics
Dr. Alexandra Protopopova | University of British Columbia

Ethics Principles

Dr. Andrew Fenton, co-Chair | Dalhousie University
Dr. Christopher R.J. Kennedy, co-Chair | University of Ottawa
Dr. Marc Cattet | Government of Yukon
Dr. Gillian Crozier | Laurentian University
Mr. Shawn Eccles | British Columbia Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals
Ms. Karen Gourlay | McMaster University
Dr. Mathias Leblanc | Salk Institute for Biological Studies
Dr. Georgia Mason | University of Guelph
Dr. Yfke Pasman | Toronto, ON
Dr. Toolika Rastogi | Humane Canada™
Mr. Troy Seidle | Humane Society International
Dr. Stephen Sims | University of Western Ontario (emeritus)
Dr. Valerie Smid | Canadian Food Inspection Agency
Ms. Monica Tighe | St. Clair College

Euthanasia

Dr. Hélène Héon, Chair | Centre de recherche du Centre hospitalier de l’Université de Montréal
Ms. Anik Boileau | Sept-Iles, QC
Dr. Philip Byrne | Fisheries and Oceans Canada
Ms. Karen Dubé | Laboratoire national de biologie expérimentale
Dr. Sylvie Fortier | Université de Montréal
Dr. Shereen Hamza | University of Alberta
Dr. Jessica Hutta | McGill University
Dr. Céline Isaaz | Ministère de l’Environnement, de la Lutte contre les changements climatiques, de la Faune et des Parcs
Dr. Andrew Iwaniuk | University of Lethbridge
Ms. Madeline Klaver | Amgen British Columbia Inc.
Dr. Joanna Makowska | University of British Columbia
Dr. Michelle Reichert | Charles River Laboratories
Dr. Timothy Ryan | McMaster University
Dr. Cathy Schuppli | University of British Columbia
Dr. Keith Sharkey | University of Calgary
Mr. Scott Smith | Ottawa, ON

Farm animals

Dr. Ed Pajor, Chair | University of Calgary
Dr. Akilu Alemu | Agriculture and Agri-Food Canada
Dr. Bettina Bobsien | Galiano Veterinary Services
Dr. Anna Bolinder | University of Guelph
Dr. Stephanie Collins | Dalhousie University
Dr. Sylvie Fortier | Université de Montréal
Dr. Deborah Johnston | TELUS Agriculture Solutions Inc.
Dr. Emma McGeough | University of Manitoba
Ms. Annie Pelletier | Université Laval
Dr. Kathryn Proudfoot | University of Prince Edward Island
Dr. Frank Robinson | University of Alberta
Dr. Céline Ster | Agriculture and Agri-Food Canada
Dr. Jean-Pierre Vaillancourt | Université de Montréal
Dr. Ines Walther | Canadian Food Inspection Agency
Dr. Frank van der Meer | University of Calgary

Ferrets

Dr. Rachel Vistein, Chair | Western University
Dr. Logan Banadyga | University of Manitoba
Dr. Mariana Baz | Université Laval
Ms. Jaselyn Becz | University Health Network
Ms. Meghann Cant | BC Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals
Ms. Stéphanie Grenon | Research Institute of the McGill University Health Centre
Dr. Jennifer Kylie | Charles River Laboratories
Dr. Stéphane Pillet | Centre de recherche du CHU de Québec – Université Laval
Dr. Valerie Smid | Public Health Agency of Canada
Mr. Kevin Tierney | Public Health Agency of Canada

Fish

Dr. Steven Cooke, Chair | Carleton University
Mr. Donald Barton | Calgary, AB
Dr. Tillmann Benfey | University of New Brunswick
Dr. Paul Craig | University of Waterloo
Dr. David Deslauriers | Université du Québec à Rimouski
Dr. Ian Forster | Centre for Aquaculture and Environmental Research
Ms. Leigh Gaffney | University of Victoria
Dr. Chris Harvey-Clark | Dalhousie University
Dr. Christine MacWilliams | Fisheries and Oceans Canada
Ms. Alicia Mehlenbacher| Environment and Climate Change Canada
Dr. Jon Midwood | Fisheries and Oceans Canada
Dr. Trevor Pitcher | University of Windsor
Ms. Émilie Proulx | Université Laval
Dr. Simon Reader | McGill University
Dr. Sean Rogers | Bamfield Marine Sciences Centre
Mr. Jason Treberg | University of Manitoba
Dr. Shona Whyte | University of Prince Edward Island

Hamsters and Guinea Pigs

Dr. Coral Murrant, Chair | University of Guelph
Dr. Michael Antle | University of Calgary
Ms. Kate Cooper | National Farm Animal Care Council
Dr. Aurore Dodelet-Devillers | Research Institute of the McGill University Health Centre
Ms. Andrea Dubuc | Saint-Bruno, QC
Ms. Nicole Fletcher | University of Guelph
Dr. Martha Navarro | Health Canada
Dr. Lee Niel | University of Guelph
Dr. Timothy Regnault | University of Western Ontario
Ms. Andrea Smida | University of Saskatchewan
Ms. Julie Todd | Health Canada

Other Projects

Subject matter experts are appointed to focus on specific issues and provide guidance to the board.

Animal Use Data Consultive Working Group

Dr. Lise Phaneuf, Chair | The Centre for Phenogenomics
Mr. Jason Allen | Trent University
Mr. Danyel Bueno Dalto | Agriculture and Agri-Food Canada
Dr. Philip Byrne | Fisheries and Oceans Canada
Ms. Susan Church | Calgary, AB
Dr. Jennifer Lapierre | University of Toronto
Dr. Lena Levison | University of Guelph
Dr. Douglas Morck | University of Calgary
Ms. Dyann Powley | Toronto Zoo
Dr. Jonathan Spears | University of Prince Edward Island
Dr. Andrew Winterborn | Queen's University

Recognition Awards Task Force

Ms. Catherine Rushton, CPA, CA, Chair | Belleville, ON
Dr. Marc Avey | Canadian Council on Animal Care
Dr. Denna Benn | University of Guelph
Dr. Sylvain Bourgoin | Université Laval
Ms. Megan Fuller | | Innovakine Therapeutics Inc.
Ms. Suzanne Richardson | University of British Columbia

Translation Advisory Group

Dr. Sylvain Bourgoin | Université Laval
Ms. Maryse Dansereau | Université de Montréal
Dr. Isabelle Desprez | Western College of Veterinary Medicine
Dr. Sylvie Fortier | Université de Montréal
Dr. Geneviève Fortin-Simard | Charles River Laboratories
Ms. Kristyn Fournier | University of Guelph
Dr. Julie Gervais | Institut de recherche en immunologie et en cancérologie
Ms. Jennifer Henri | McGill University
Ms. Kiana McFadden-Houle | Collège Boréal
Dr. Stéphane Ménard | Université de Montréal

Training

National Workshop

The CCAC’s national workshops would not have been possible without the dedication of the following member organization representatives, researchers, animal care committee members and coordinators, and animal health professionals.

Dr. Cécile Baccanale | McGill University
Dr. Logan Banadyga | Public Health Agency of Canada
Ms. Marie Bédard | Ottawa, ON
Dr. Kyle Bobiwash | University of Manitoba
Dr. Philip Byrne | Fisheries and Oceans Canada
Mr. Jamie Hall | University of British Columbia
Dr. Ovidiu Jumanca | Montreal Clinical Research Institute
Dr. Dominic Lambert | Health Canada
Dr. Julie Loiselle | Health Canada
Dr. Martha Navarro | Health Canada
Dr. Guillaume Pelletier | Health Canada
Mr. Matthew Ramsey | University of British Columbia
Dr. Michele Regimbald-Krnel | Health Canada
Ms. Catherine Rushton | Belleville, ON
Dr. Andrew Winterborn | Queen’s University

Virtual Learning Series Webinars

Dr. Nitin Bhardwaj | The Hospital for Sick Children
Dr. Goldia Chan | Cedars-Sinai
Dr. Judith Farley | Université Laval
Dr. Stéphane Ménard | Université de Montréal

Members of CCAC Assessment Panels

CCAC assessment panels play the vital role of carrying out visits to institutions participating in the CCAC’s programs.

* Names marked with an asterisk are those of members who have served as chairperson on an assessment panel.

Community Representatives

Community representatives are not required to have any specialized knowledge of animal health or welfare, but rather represent the Canadian public.

Mr. Stephen Barber | Ottawa, ON
Mr. Don Barton | Calgary, AB
Mr. Tim Battle | Edmonton, AB
Mr. Martin Cole | Beaverton, ON
Ms. Kathy Duncan | Ottawa, ON *
Mr. Michel Gélinas | Montréal, QC
Mr. Arthur Goldsmith | Arnprior, ON
Mr. Andrew Hebda | Maitland, NS
Mr. Serge Marquis | Trois-Rivières, QC
Mr. Bill McDonald | Winnipeg, MB
Mr. Luc Préfontaine | Laval, QC
Mr. Jacques Thibault | Bathurst, NB

Scientists

Scientists are selected for their experience and expertise with specific types of animals or experimental procedures.

Dr. Clover Bench | University of Alberta *
Dr. Catherine Chan | University of Alberta *
Ms. Marcia Chiasson | University of Guelph
Dr. Jean-Francois Cloutier | McGill University *
Dr. Will Costain | National Research Council Canada *
Dr. Marc Ekker | University of Ottawa *
Dr. Diego Maya Fernandez | University of Saskatchewan
Dr. Sherry Hannon | Feedlot Health Management Services *
Dr. Scott MacDougall-Shackleton | University of Western Ontario *
Dr. Lee Niel | University of Guelph *
Ms. Alicia O’Neill | Environment and Climate Change Canada *
Dr. Jessica Rock | Dalhousie University
Dr. Don Stewart | Acadia University *
Dr. Elsa Vasseur | McGill University *
Dr. Marianne Villettaz Robichaud | Université de Montréal *
Dr. Risini Weeratna | National Research Council Canada

Animal Health Professionals

Animal health professionals are selected for their experience and expertise with specific types of animals or experimental procedures.

Veterinarians

Dr. Cécile Baccanale | McGill University *
Dr. Marie-Christine Barma-Hamel | Charles River Laboratories *
Dr. Dean Sean Brown | University of Calgary
Dr. Philip Byrne | Fisheries and Oceans Canada *
Dr. Julie Chevrette | McGill University *
Dr. Lucie Côté | Research Institute of the McGill University Health Centre *
Dr. Shawn Davis | University of Toronto, Mississauga *
Dr. Aurore Dodelet-Devillers | Research Institute of the McGill University Health Centre
Dr. Sylvie Fortier | Université de Montréal *
Dr. Carl Gagnon | Université de Montréal
Dr. Isabelle Gauthier | University of Lethbridge *
Dr. Marie Chantal-Giroux | McGill University
Dr. Richard Hodges | University of Manitoba *
Dr. Léo Kenny | University of Manitoba *
Dr. Lena Levison | University of Guelph *
Dr. Michele Martin | University of Victoria *
Dr. Shelly McErlane | University of British Columbia *
Dr. Badru Moloo | University Health Network *
Dr. Timothy Ryan | McMaster University *
Dr. Elizabeth Saul | Seneca College
Dr. Jonathan Spears | University of Prince Edward Island *
Dr. Kurtis Swekla | University of Saskatchewan *
Dr. Keri Thomas | University of Saskatchewan
Dr. Michael West | Nova Scotia SPCA College of Animal Welfare *
Dr. Craig Wilkinson | University of Alberta
Dr. Andrew Winterborn | Queen's University *

Technicians

Ms. Kiana McFadden-Houle | Collège Boréal
Ms. Nadia Desnoyers | Université du Québec à Trois-Rivières
Ms. Michelle Cieplak | University of Guelph
Ms. Jacinthe Julien | Centre de recherche en sciences animales de Deschambault
Ms. Vanessa Lalonde | Charles River Laboratories