Canadian Association for Laboratory Animal Medicine/

L’association canadienne de la médecine des animaux de laboratoire

2025

CCAC National Workshop 2025

April 30 - May 1, 2025
Richmond, BC

The Canadian Council on Animal Care (CCAC) is pleased to invite you to the CCAC National Workshop 2025 in Richmond, BC, which will be held on April 30-May 1, 2025 at the Westin Wall Centre, Vancouver Airport.

This two-day program offers extended time for in-depth discussions on crucial topics for all stakeholders. It includes dynamic plenaries and interactive breakout sessions where participants will engage, learn, and exchange ideas. This workshop is a must-attend for anyone involved in animal-based science.

Additionally, the workshop will be held in conjunction with the Canadian Association for Laboratory Animal Science (CALAS) Annual Symposium, providing a valuable opportunity to network and participate in all the activities scheduled throughout the week:

• April 30, 2025 – CCAC Evening Reception
• April 30-May 1, 2025 – CCAC National Workshop 2025
• May 3-6, 2025 – CALAS/ACSAL Annual Symposium

The complete program and registration information will be available soon on the CCAC Upcoming Workshops page.

Past Events

THANK YOU TO EVERYONE WHO JOINED US IN JUNE FOR OUR LUNCHEON SESSION AND SCIENTIFIC PROGRAM AT THE CALAS/ACSAL SYMPOSIUM IN SASKATOON!

This year, CALAM welcomed Ernest Olfert, BA, DVM (1969), MSc (1975), University of Saskatchewan (UofS), as our luncheon speaker!

Dr. Ernie Olfert (L) with CALAM colleagues	CALAM Luncheon Presentation

Ernie presented his session "Advances in Laboratory Animal Science and Medicine 1970-2010" at TCU Place in Saskatoon, Saskatchewan, during the CALAM Luncheon. Attendees had the opportunity to network and ask Ernie all their burning questions about what's changed in Lab Animal Science. 

Dr. Ernest Olfert, a distinguished veterinarian and academic, has made significant contributions to the field of veterinary medicine and animal welfare. He earned his BA and DVM in 1969, followed by an MSc in 1975 from the University of Saskatchewan (UofS). Dr. Olfert served as the Director of the Animal Resources Centre at UofS from 1975 to 2007 and as the University Veterinarian from 2007 to 2010.

A dedicated member of the Canadian Association for Laboratory Animal Medicine (CALAM) since 1982, Dr. Olfert has held various roles including director, newsletter editor, and reviewer of veterinary care standards. His involvement with the Canadian Association for Laboratory Animal Science (CALAS) dates back to 1970, where he has been a national and associate member. He has regularly contributed to scientific programs at CALAS conferences, edited newsletters and training manuals, and chaired several national conference scientific and technical programs. His contributions extend to the awards and publications committees and local animal technician training initiatives.

Dr. Olfert's work with the Canadian Council on Animal Care (CCAC) includes co-editing the "Guides to the Care and Use of Experimental Animals" in 1984 and 1993, contributing to guidelines on endpoints and euthanasia, and developing online training programs. He has been serving on assessment panels since 1971. As a member of the Canadian Veterinary Medical Association (CVMA) from 1969 to 2013, he was involved in the Humane Practices Committee and Animal Welfare Committee, contributing to codes of practice for farm animals.

His commitment to the community is evident through his long-term involvement with the Saskatchewan SPCA, active membership in the Youth Science Foundation Saskatoon, participation in the Saskatoon Zoological Society, and producing a radio series about animals in 1983-84. Dr. Olfert's extensive career reflects his unwavering dedication to animal welfare and veterinary science.