Overview
The Canadian Animal Health Institute (CAHI) - like any effective organization - is really about people. The common bond that unites CAHI people is a dedication to the health of animals. Representatives of our member firms include veterinarians, animal scientists, and a variety of other professionals whose work centers around enhancing animal care.
CAHI is the trade association representing companies that develop, manufacture and distribute pharmaceuticals, biologicals, feed additives, and animal pesticides. Member firms collectively manufacture approximately 90 percent of all animal health products marketed in Canada with total sales of approximately $500 million. Associate CAHI members include allied industries, media and other interested groups. The Institute has over 50 members.
A Board of Directors, elected annually from the membership administers the CAHI. All directors and committee members serve on a voluntary basis. The Board is responsible for the annual election of the Chairman, Vice-Chairman and Secretary/Treasurer.
The CAHI is a registered, non-profit organization, solely funded by annual membership fees.
Our Mission
CAHI addresses emerging animal care issues, and demonstrates leadership by acting as the voice of the animal health industry in Canada.
The Institute deals with a broad range of issues relating to animal health and wellness in Canada. It serves member companies in the continuing effort to:
- Meet the needs of Canadian animal agriculture;
- Support production of a safe, wholesome food supply; and
- Help maintain the health of our nation’s food and companion animal population.
We’re Involved…We Listen
The CAHI employs a committee structure in pursuit of its key objectives. Volunteers from the membership serve on the various committees. Liaison with regulatory authorities, plus communication with producer groups, veterinary associations, research institutions and the media are major areas of committee activity.
Following is a brief summary of the basic objectives pursued by the CAHI committees:
- Foster and maintain a regulatory and legislative climate which will encourage the industry to develop and market safe, effective animal health products.
- Actively promote the proper use of animal health products by animal owners through information programs developed by the Institute.
- Enhance public understanding and knowledge of the contributions the animal health industry makes to the economy and society at large.
- Represent the animal health industry in a positive light.
Sound animal health management is fundamental to production efficiency, and helps maintain the international competitiveness of Canadian agriculture. Keeping animals healthy is the reason for the animal health industry's existence, and the ultimate goal of all Canadian Animal Health Institute activities.
History
Over 39 years ago, in 1968 a group of animal health industry representatives decided to develop an industry trade association. Montreal, Quebec was the location for the Founding Meeting held on June 1st of that same year. An Executive Secretary dealt with all Institute procedures while several committees began to meet to tackle specific issues. It was through the efforts of these original committees that CAHI began to establish formal relations with government agencies and industry-related organizations.
Over the next 20 years, the CAHI members diligently worked on numerous topics current to the time and gained much respect and profile within the industry. By the late 1980's, the Institute recognized the need for full-time staff to move forward with emerging animal health industry issues. A full-time office was established in Guelph in 1991 with the hiring of an Executive Director and Assistant. A Communications Manager completed the staff in 1998.
Today, the CAHI office is located in the University of Guelph’s Research Park in Guelph, Ontario.
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