Moderator

Ron received his Doctor of Veterinary Medicine degree from the University of Guelph and the Master of Veterinary Science degree in Veterinary Pathology from the University of Saskatchewan. He also achieved certification as a Specialist in Veterinary Pathology from the American College of Veterinary Pathologists.

As Chief Veterinary Officer and Director of the Animal Health Branch, Dr. Lewis was the spokesperson for all animal health-related issues for the BC government. Ron is a firm proponent of the concept of “One Health” and worked closely with the BC Centre for Disease Control and BC’s Chief Medical Health Officer on diseases important to animals and man.

Following retirement, Ron has been invited to make presentations and provide recommendations on animal health in China, Saudi Arabia, and Malawi, and has worked for the OIE (World Animal Health Organization) on the assessment of aquatic animal health services in Mozambique. In Canada, he has consulted with the government of the Yukon on a variety of issues and was active in recruiting its first Chief Veterinary Officer. In preparation for the Cohen Commission, he provided information on salmon health issues for the BC SFA.

Following the largest beef recall in Canadian history, Dr. Lewis was appointed Chair of the Independent Expert Advisory Panel by the Canadian Privy Council Office and charged with providing recommendations for improvement to the federal Minister of Agriculture and Parliament. For the past nine years, he has chaired the Editorial Committee, responsible for publishing veterinary clinical and scientific research papers for the Canadian Veterinary Medical Association.

Ron has been an active member of the Abbotsford-Sumas Rotary Club for several years and is a Director of the Canadian Wheelchair Foundation. In the latter role, he has assisted in delivering several containers of new wheelchairs to Mexico, Guatemala, and the Dominican Republic. Ron lives in Abbotsford, is married, has two grown sons, and three beautiful granddaughters.