MARKET - Louis McCann President/CEO, PIJAC Canada to Retire

February 13, 2018 (Ottawa, ON) – PIJAC Canada President & CEO, Louis McCann will be retiring after 40 years of service to the Canadian pet industry, 27 of which have been with the association. Louis has been the face of Canada’s industry dedicating his professional and personal life to fostering responsible pet businesses and advancing the standards of care for pets.

At the age of 16 McCann began working for the Montreal SPCA cleaning kennels. After achieving his Bachelor of Science with a major in wildlife management Louis worked his way through the ranks of the SPCA becoming the Director of Cruelty Investigations and Director of the Wildlife Department.  

In 1992 Louis became the Executive Director for the Pet Industry Joint Advisory Council of Canada (PIJAC Canada) after spending the previous year leading the Quebec Division. For almost over 25 years Louis has been the lead advocate representing the interests of pet businesses in Canada, including; manufacturers, distributors, retailers and pet care service providers. Combining his own expertise with government partners and other pet welfare organizations Louis has raised the bar for the Canadian pet industry. He has achieved this through the development of health protocols, municipal and provincial guidelines, best practice recommendations for businesses and the promotion of sound animal care and husbandry practices in all sectors of the pet industry. From rescuing seals in Montreal harbour to speaking in provincial legislatures across Canada, Louis McCann is one of the foremost authorities on urban animal issues.

“It comes with mixed feelings as we announce Louis’ retirement. Louis has been the face of PIJAC Canada almost since the beginning. His strong leadership and unwavering dedication has allowed for the association’s steady progress. Louis’ determination to build bridges is his legacy. He worked to bring together stakeholders both in and outside the industry to collaborate on the advancement of care standards and responsible practices.”, says Board Chairman, Mike Campbell. “We are truly grateful for all he has done.”

The search for a new association President & CEO has begun. Louis will remain with the association for part of the year, helping to pave the way for his successor.

For more information:
Susan Dankert, Communications Manager, PIJAC Canada
communications@pijaccanada.com

BUSINESS - Voting Open for PIJAC Canada's Animal Welfare Retail Award

Five finalists have been announced for PIJAC Canada’s Animal Welfare is Everyone’s Business Retail Award for Western Canada.

The finalists were selected for their efforts in the pursuit of improving animal well-being through the promotion of pet care education, responsible pet ownership and overall community involvement.

“One of the great things about this venture is that the candidates will be voted on by their contemporaries. People who understand exactly how hard they work to serve the community,“ says Louis McCann, President of PIJAC Canada.

Successful nominees were assessed using a points system based on the award criteria.

Every nominee is a great example of social innovation in action in the animal industry.

Finalists include:

Bosley’s by Pet Valu, Columbia Square in New Westminster, BC support the local animal shelter and food bank. Pets are available for adoption in-store, the business offers pet care talks in the schools and also works with the mayor and council on animal related issues.

Global Pet Foods Winnipeg hosts pet adoption events and regularly donates food and supplies to animal rescue organizations. They are a sponsor of Bark for Life, an event that raises funds for cancer research, and the Manitoba Pet Expo.

Pets West in Victoria provides adoption space to a large number of local rescue organizations for a variety of animals - cats, rabbits, guinea pigs, birds, chinchillas, and more. Their reach goes beyond animal groups as they have also supported a lot of human oriented organizations as well.

Homes Alive Pets in Edmonton also promote responsible pet ownership and have strong relationships with rescues and Edmonton animal control - providing adoption space and supporting initiatives. They stepped up in 2016 to help victims of the Fort McMurray wildfire.

The Pooch & Pony in Stony Plain have introduced animal wellness programs into their business and support a large number of animal and human related organizations in their community. They provide grooming services to the Parkland Humane Society and supported victims of the Fort McMurray wildfire.

Voting is available online to PIJAC Canada members, pre-registered visitors and exhibitors of the Western Canadian Pet Industry Trade Show until May 23rd.

The Western winner will be announced at the Full House Gala & Fundraiser, during the Western Trade Show, the evening of Sunday, June 4th in Calgary, Alberta.

The nomination process for awards for other regions of Canada will begin in the summer.

BUSINESS - PIJAC Canada Announces Retailer Award for Animal Welfare

Not only is PIJAC Canada hosting their first Western Canadian Pet Industry Trade Show, they will be presenting the inaugural Animal Welfare is Everyone's BusinessTM – Retail Award (Western) at the event.

The award will highlight the work of dedicated and passionate pet retail businesses in the areas of animal well-being and the promotion of responsible pet ownership.

PIJAC’s goal is to shine a light on the efforts of the people in the pet retail industry and to inspire others to follow in their footsteps.

"For the last 5 years we have been sharing stories about the efforts of businesses who go the extra mile to educate people about responsible pet ownership and help to create positive pet experiences," Louis McCann, association President & CEO, said in a release.

"With the advent of our new Western Canadian Pet Industry Trade Show we felt it was the perfect time to launch this award. It is our hope this award will also become a vehicle for you to celebrate your accomplishments, inspire others and share your stories with the public at large."

Manufacturers and Distributors can submit nominations for the Retail Award (Western) online to PIJAC Canada by May 1st.

Successful nominees will be announced May 9th and PIJAC Canada members, pre-registered show visitors and Western Cdn. Pet Industry Trade Show exhibitors will be eligible to vote online until May 23rd.

Award Criteria:

1. Must be a pet specialty retailer in  one of the following provinces, BC, AB, SK, MB or Territories
2. Must be a brick and mortar location
3. Promotes responsible pet ownership in the store and community ie - take home information packages, after-sale care program, care workshops, school visits, etc.
4. Supports pet families in the community ie - pet food bank, raising awareness of issues impacting pets in the community, assisting other animal organizations, etc.
5. Any other general community support activities

The Retail Award (Western) is the first of many.

PIJAC Canada will be awarding retailers in other parts of the country at ExpoZoo and the National Pet Industry Trade Show.

They will also expand the Animal Welfare is Everyone's Business™ awards to include pet services, manufacturers and distributors in 2018.

Canadian Pet Industry Scholarships

PIJAC Canada has two scholarships available to help promising future pet industry professionals further their post-secondary education.

The annual scholarships of $1000 are available to all PIJAC Canada members, their staff and immediate family. 

Applications must be submitted before April 30^th.

Visit PIJAC Canada for more information.

PIJAC - Supports Canadian Members at Best International Trade Opportunity of 2016

The world's largest trade show for pet supplies takes place in the Nuremburg Exhibition Centre on the 26 - 29 May, 2016.

Interzoo is the world's biggest trade fair for the pet industry showcases manufacturers, wholesalers and service providers. In 2014, Interzoo attracted 1,698 exhibitors from 62 countries and 37,367 visitors from 128 countries. 

PIJAC Canada assists Canadian organizations to be a part of the Canadian Trade delegation in the Canadian Pavilion. PIJAC members are among the most recognized exhibits at this event. Team members enjoy, on-demand translation services, access to private meeting rooms, catering and the potential for funding through the federal Agrimarketing Program. PIJAC takes care of the details while members take care of business.

For more information contact Roselyne Lévêque, PIJAC Event Coordinator, tradeshows@pijaccanada.com

PIJAC Canada Bans Importation to Protect 'at risk' Newts

Board moves to protect Native and Captive populations of Newts  

 

In late November PIJAC (USA) recommended a temporary halt on the importation of Firebell and Paddletail newts, effective immediately. The reason for the moratorium stems from concerns over the Batrachochytrium salamandrivorans or Bsal fungus. This fungus, which is native to Asia, has impacted fire salamander populations in Belgium and the Netherlands.

In an proactive effort to protect native Canadian newt populations, PIJAC Canada’s Board of Directors is supporting PIJAC USA’s recommendation. This decision is directly aligned with the criteria found in PIJAC Canada's Exotic Animal Policy.

Even if harvested sustainably in the counties of origin, the risk to species native in Canada is high and potentially endangers the existing captive amphibian communities. Should such a pathogen be introduced to Canada, it could result in a ban, meaning the end of responsible ownership of these animals entirely. PIJAC members are being asked to remind customers that pets should never be released into the wild.

Summit 2015 Claims

Sunday November 15, 2015 was the deadline for delegate and scholarship claims arising from Summit 2015. 

The claims received from delegates and those eligible for scholarships totaled $22,533.03. Urban Animal continues to seek the return of deposits and to gather contributions to allow complete reimbursement of these claims.

In October, Urban Animal reported that claims from delegates and those receiving scholarships for Summit 2015 could exceed $51,000. The fact that so many were able to contribute expenses and fees to the program is remarkable and would seem to be a testament to the support Urban Animal enjoys.

The Summit Awards program has now been completed and the Awards are on the way to each recipient by Express Post. Photo Ops with members of the Urban Animal Council will be arranged in each local area where possible. Readers may search 'Summit Award' in the InfoStream search area above (sort by date) to see recipient announcements they may have missed.

The plan to complete the IRED Scholarship Competition for the 2015 Innovator, 2015 Researcher, 2015 Emerging Leader and 2015 Digital Journalist will be announced shortly. Completion of the 2015 IRED Scholarship Competition is made possible with grants from:

• PIJAC Canada
• Petsecure/Western Financial Corporation
• Kijiji Canada
• Ontario SPCA
• CDMV Inc
• Petland Superstores
• Canadian Veterinary Medical Association

PIJAC Canada Completes a Decade of Urban Animal Sponsorship

PetLynx Corporation is pleased to welcome the Pet Industry Joint Advisory Council of Canada as a sponsor of the 2015 Urban Animal program.

PIJAC Canada has proudly sponsored Urban Animal programs and events since 2006 when PetLynx hosted the first Summit for Urban Animal Strategies in Banff, Alberta, Canada. PIJAC Canada CEO, Louis McCann joined a handful of industry leaders who realized the individual silos defining each industry sector were preventing collaboration that could bring about a more positive pet experience.

“The Summits for Urban Animal Strategies opened the gates to potential and possibility”, said Louis McCann. “We are all responsible for the well-being of animals, the Summit is where the work gets done”.

An active player in an international network of pet industry associations, PIJAC Canada has been a strong and consistent voice for the Canadian Pet Industry since 1988. As a not for profit, member-based organization, PIJAC Canada advocates on behalf of the Canadian pet industry while acting as a credible source of information and education for pet related businesses, municipalities and community organizations.

“The Pet Industry Joint Advisory Council of Canada represents the very best of the first decade of working together”, said Larry R. Evans, Executive Producer of Urban Animal. “Louis McCann and his colleagues on the PIJAC Canada Board of Directors have been the ally of all those who work to enrich the lives of people and pets across this country. They have lead members of the Alliance for Urban Animals to understand 'Animal Welfare' is everyone’s business”.

FOR SPONSORSHIP OR ALLIANCE FOR URBAN ANIMALS OPPORTUNITIES, PLEASE CONTACT:

SHANNON WOODWARD (403-208-1972)

Ontario retailer tackles 'ban' bylaw

In November, the city council in Welland, Ontario, approved a bylaw to regulate pet stores in the city that sell dogs, cats and rabbits. 

Earlier in the year, city residents presented council with a 1,500-signature petition to ban the sale of pets in stores in an effort to counteract unscrupulous breeding. At the council meeting, Barry Luther, owner of Niagara Pet Corner, the city's only shop that would be affected by the ban, presented council with his own 750-signature petition asking the city not to impose the ban. 

READ MORE: Regulations imposed on pet store owner 

Council's decision not to ban the sale of puppies and kittens and instead support a recommended bylaw from city staff to regulate pet stores and give additional power to the SPCA is being commended by pet retailers across the country as well as by PIJAC and PIJAC Canada.

READ MORE: Effective Advocacy: Niagara Pet Corner and PIJAC Canada 

"We applaud Welland for choosing not to adopt an outright ban and see this case as a roadmap for effective advocacy," said PIJAC President and CEO, Ed Sayres in an opinion editorial. "Transparency, conversation and collaboration won the day, with everyone involved in the process making a meaningful contribution to reaching a compromise." 

READ MORE: A Postmortem evaluation of Vernon's 'Ban' decision 

Alliance for Urban Animals extends support to Puppy Project

Louis McCann
InfoStream Guest Author 

Some of you recently attended the 9^th Summit for Urban Animal Strategies, in Alberta, Canada. Its mission is to support and develop successful strategies for urban animals and to provide recognition for those who lead. 

One such leader in attendance this year was Eileen Higginbotham, a special education teacher from Prince Edward Island. Eileen came to the Summit as part of this year’s Innovation Showcase to present her program, The Prince Street Puppy Project.  

The Prince Street Puppy Project was started in 2011 at Prince Street School in Charlottetown, PEI. Every day, specially selected dogs would come to the school to interact with and engage students. Ms. Higginbotham was able to demonstrate how her program used integrated animal experiences to promote leadership and build empathy amongst the participating students. She explained how her approach instilled confidence, enhanced cooperation and fostered problem solving skills. It also had a profoundly positive effect on the students who struggled most, by helping to create incentives to work hard and giving a sense of belonging at the school.  

Delegates quickly realized the significant impact her program had on students with special needs. You can imagine the shock the delegates felt when we were informed that the Prince Street School initiative had been stopped due to lack of policy.

As members of the Alliance for Urban Animals and on behalf of their close to 1800 like-minded colleagues across North America dedicated to creating healthy communities and positive experiences with companion animals, the OSPCA and PIJAC Canada decided to take action. 

In a letter to the Honourable J. Alan McIsaac, PEI Minster of Education and Early Childhood Development, we expressed our surprise at such a project having been put on hold. In our opinion, a project like this one fit perfectly under the Minister’s Directive on Special Education, which seems to guarantee the use of “alternative initiatives” such as this one in service to the province’s students with special needs.

We also noted that Ms. Higginbotham’s program should be a great source of pride and inspiration to his ministry, the government and the entire province. Having won a provincial award, regional and national recognition (runner up to Innovator of the Year award and designation of Urban Animal Mentor) and being the model for other similar programs in Nova Scotia reflects well on the province’s innovative ways. We invited the Minister to contact the Alliance for Urban Animals for assistance in addressing the concerns that may have been expressed on this program. 

The Alliance for Urban Animals needs to voice its support of projects like the one put together by Ms. Higginbotham, emphasizing the importance of such an approach in enhancing the quality of education for students with special needs. We believe that a positive pet experience is instrumental in improving the learning experience of these students.

We can only hope that a solution can be brought forward to re-instate this life altering educational curriculum and provide these exceptional students with the tools they need to learn and grow.

Facts and Evidence: Obstacles to a Positive Pet Experience

Pet Industry Joint Advisory Council (PIJAC) Canada is a national, non-profit organization dedicated to ensuring the highest level of pet care and to representing all elements of the Canadian pet industry in an equitable manner. PIJAC Canada is a founding member of the Urban Animal program.

 

Summit 2014 is pleased to present PIJAC Canada:

'Obstacles to a Positive Pet Experience: The Pet Owner Challenges Survey'

Directed by Susan Dankert, Communications & Research Coordinator

During Summit 2012, delegates observed a requirement for factual knowledge of the pet owner experience. A subsequent search of existing literature showed a lack of information that described this experience from the pet owner perspective.

At Summit 2013 a decision was made to gather evidence of the challenges faced by pet families. Two initiative arose from this decision: An initiative by Urban Animal to gather videos of pet owners talking about pets in their lives; and, The development of a survey to poll Canadian pet owners.

During spring 2014, PIJAC Canada spear-headed a nation-wide survey to ask Canadians about the obstacles they faced caring for their pets. The PIJAC Canada presentation will reveal what pet families had to say and discuss the implications and opportunities for future engagement.

Register for this conversation

Petland CEO defends retail sale of pets

Earlier this month, InfoStream reported four leading U.S. organizations were joining forces to overturn a proposed ban on pet sales in retail stores. Recently, Petland added its voice to the conversation as the organization's CEO, Joe Watson, defended the retail sale of pets. 

"Retail bans re essentially a feel-good effort that does little to nothing to address substandard breeders," Watson told MarionStar.com, adding that as few as 2 per cent of puppies are purchased in pet stores. "The math is pretty simple. If every pet store selling puppies closed tomorrow, not a single breeder would go out of business." 

Read the MarionStar.com News Article! 

Since 2007, nearly 50 U.S. cities have outlawed retail pet shops in response to growing concerns that puppy mills are sourcing their inventory. These municipal bylaws are designed to curb impulse buying as well as abuses by commercial breeders. 3

Several Canadian communities have also adopted bylaw amendments which prohibit pet stores from selling dogs and cats unless they come from a registered non-profit rescue or shelter but the implications on small businesses can be drastic. In 2013, following the overturning of a pet sale ban in Vernon, B.C., President and CEO of PIJAC Canada, Louis McCann explained the solution is not in banning pet sales but in promoting positive relationships between retailers and the community. 

"The focus moves retailers and service providers from defending a right, to being transparent providers and offering themselves as part of the solution to a community concern," said McCann. 

Read the InfoStream New Article!

PetLynx HomeSafe invites Guest Authors to contribute pet experience stories!

Since March 2009, PetLynx has published a HomeSafe blog intended to celebrate success stories and educate pet families. 

Earlier this week, HomeSafe writers announced the blog would kick off its own Guest Author Program, starting immediately. The GAP at HomeSafe is a place for the urban animal industry to introduce their own pets and share their pet experiences.  

HomeSafe, together with willing Guest Authors, will open the lines of communication between industry sectors and help break down the silos. Sharing personal stories and experiences with fellow thought leaders will increase our understanding and respect for one another when tackling touchy industry subjects.

If you feel inclined to share your story and introduce us to your pet experience please contact Lisa Milton (Squish's mom). In the mean time you can read our first GAP by Susan Dankert at PIJAC Canada here.

Foundation Dinner celebrates 165 years of service

The 2013 Summit for Urban Animal Strategies presented the first ever Urban Animal Foundation Dinner which introduced delegates to the industry's newest non-profit and recognized the long-term achievements of leaders in the industry.

Western Financial Insurance Company (Petsecure) demonstrated its fidelity to the Urban Animal Program by generously sponsoring the Foundation Dinner. Founding sponsors of the SUAS, Petsecure continues to support its industry partners and allowed delegates to celebrate 165 years of service to animals and the people who love them. 

For 25 years, PIJAC Canada has proven itself a valuable player in the Urban Animal Industry. As an organization committed to strengthening the collaborative ties amongst all five sectors, PIJAC plays a critical role in the Urban Animal Program. 

Celebrating 140 years of service, the Ontario SPCA has been a long-time supporter of the Urban Animal Program. The organization's efforts to reinvent the humane and rescue sector have identified it as a role model, a leader and a partner. The Ontario SPCA featured  as one of 2013's Innovation Showcase models and received the Summit award for Community Compliance. 

PetLynx used this celebration to announce the Urban Animal Foundation which represents a momentous change in the way it will work with the Urban Animal Program to resource industry initiatives. The Foundation is a non-profit vessel to hold collateral and resources for the benefit of the entire industry. The Urban Animal Foundation will resource initiatives (like Care for Cats) arising out of the Summit and Urban Animal Conferences. 

Urban Animal Foundation Guiding Principles 

• Vessel – Creative Commons gathers and holds resources for the benefit of the Urban Animal Program
• Hybrid – Actively promotes/resources not-for-profit elements of PetLynx Corporation and the Urban Animal Program
• Develops consensus – For Urban Animal initiatives
• Models technology – Employ modern technology to ensure transparency for funding, for process and for decisions
• Supports Centre of Excellence – Used to prove up strategies and tactics
• FutureWorks – Gathers Urban Animal evidence (not necessarily driven by market demand)
• Lean/mean machine – Administration and infrastructure provided by PetLynx 

Summit 2013 Welcome Reception Features the Gifted Jacqueline Dolan

On Wednesday, 16 October, Jacqueline Dolan's music will provide a pleasing background for those attending the Welcome Reception of Summit 2013. 

The opening event of Summit 2013 is hosted by PIJAC Canada an organization that has served the Urban Animal Industry for 25 years.

A gifted harpist, Jacqueline Dolan, was born in Nenagh, County Tipperary, Ireland, to a family of gifted musicians. Relocation to Canada, led to long and enjoyable postings as the Resident Harpist at Fairmont properties in Banff and Lake Louise.

Her performances are described as inspired and moving. Her extensive list of classical and traditional pieces is augmented by selections from Broadway hits to ballads and other popular music that have been adapted for Jacqueline's unique style.

PIJAC Canada's Exotic Animal Policy distributed among Canadian municipalities

PIJAC Canada's Exotic Animal Policy will be distributed to the roughly 2,000 members of the Federation of Canadian Municipalities as the two organizations collaborate to build healthy communities for people and pets.

PIJAC Canada has played a critical role in the exotic animal conversations taking place across the continent. Following the death of two young boys in Nova Scotia, many Canadian municipalities are reevaluating their exotic animal policies and searching for responses and solutions to community concerns. 

PIJAC CANADA'S EXOTIC ANIMAL POLICY

In addition to their efforts with the federal and provincial municipal unions, PIJAC Canada continues to take part in exotic animal education programs. During the Reptile Expo in Red Deer, AB, Board member Rob Church spoke with families, breeders and hobbyists about the Council's Reptile Certification program, safe handling poster series and the Exotic Animal Policy. 

Are Exotic Pet Bans an Appropriate Answer??

The New Brunswick python attack has stimulated Urban Animal conversations across North America. In an effort to make this conversation available across the industry, InfoStream will open a new conversation in the Urban Animal Group area of LinkedIn. Here are some of the ideas and thoughts collected so far:

• Talk of municipal bans aimed at exotic pets has prompted a PIJAC Canada Blog
• A conversation involving municipal enforcement has undertaken the review of exotic pet legislation to understand if dangerous animals may be removed from a premises without charging the pet owner.
• A conversation has developed around an 'amnesty program' to be delivered by members of the local community such as pet retailers, humane, rescue and veterinary organizations that would allow non-compliant or dangerous animals to be surrendered in a manner safe for both people and pets.

Please join the conversation as you are able. These contributions will be made available to Summit 2013 Directors, Dr. Jason Coe and Dr. Drew VanNiekerk so they can be included in the onsite conversations. 

Exotic Pets Overwhelm the Urban Animal Conversation

One can hardly imagine a more gripping tragedy than that emerging from Campbellton, New Brunswick, over the past few days. The apparent killing of two little boys (4 and 6) by an African Rock Python has been headline news across Canada and around the globe. Obviously the present focus, must in the foreground be to support the grieving family, while in the background experts collect the evidence and facts that can support an Urban Animal conversation.

THE STORY

Coincidentally, just prior to the incident (Saturday), the Globe and Mail Pet Project printed a discussion of the role of exotics and wildlife in society for consideration. While this seemed reasonable at the time, by Wednesday, social conversations had moved from the right and reason to own exotic pets (seeing this as trivial) to public safety. 

GLOBE AND MAIL

While the New Brunswick incident may be shown to be an anomaly in reptile behavior, for the public, a natural fear of snakes and a low level of attraction for exotics has moved the conversation to a series of questions:

• Why are such critters kept in private homes? 
• Why should pet owners to be allowed to have exotic animals in a modern urban municipality? 
• What 'rights' are involved? 
• What process will resolve conflicts between those who are eventually shown to have 'rights'? 
• Who should lead this conversation? 
• Which voices should be heard?
• Can public safety be ensured with better legislation, licenses and compliance? 
• Who should be responsible to enforce compliance?

While this conversation swirls around the internet, PIJAC Canada is hard at work ensuring that accurate information is available to media and the public. They together with their allies in the Urban Animal Industry had the foresight to prepare the PIJAC Exotic Animal Policy which has been used by legislators and enforcement officials across Canada.

It is clear this conversation must also come forward at the eighth annual Summit for Urban Animal Strategies in October. Summit Alumni and invited International guests will be challenged to sort through the facts and evidence during the Friday Forum to answer these questions and to develop strategy that will uphold the rights of people and pets while ensuring public safety.

Those who have contributions for this conversation are invited to contact PIJAC Canada or the Urban Animal Foundation directly.

PIJAC Canada launches on LinkedIn

PIJAC Canada announced they have launched a company site on LinkedIn. The self-asserted voice of the Canadian pet industry plays an important role in the professionalization of member retailers, distributors and service providers across Canada.

Follow PIJAC online

PIJAC Canada's Call for Nominations

PIJAC Canada's Nominating Committee is looking at filling three vacancies on the National Board. Elections will take place during the association's AGM on 16 September in Toronto. 

Interested PIJAC Canada members in good standing need to submit their candidacy to our head office no later than the end of business day on Wednesday, 7 August. Members can find details in the member section of the PIJAC Canada website by clicking on the My Resources button with their online member account or by contacting head office directly at 1-800-667-7452 or information@pijaccanada.com.