The Office of Animal Ethics and Compliance supports the activities of the Animal Care Committee, provides training to research teams, and helps ensure that uOttawa meets or exceeds all relevant external standards and regulations.

About us

The Office of Animal Ethics & Compliance (AEC):

  • helps animal research teams plan and undertake their animal work with animals according to relevant internal and external standards
  • supports the uOttawa Animal Care Committee (ACC) in all of its activities and ensure communications between animal users and the ACC, and other communications
  • provides training to animal users and ACC members, working with the Animal Care and Veterinary Service (ACVS)
  • helps ensure that appropriate policies and procedures for animal care and use are in place, working with the ACC, ACVS and senior administration
  • works with auditors and regulators to ensure that uOttawa meets or exceeds all relevant standards and regulations

For assistance, please contact:

Director of Animal Ethics & Compliance: Marie Bédard

Training and Communications Coordinator: Courtney Reeks

Animal Ethics Coordinators: Caterina Bellé and Jennifer Andrusiak

Reporting concerns related to animal care and use

The University of Ottawa is committed to ensuring that all animals receive appropriate treatment and care at all times. Any person who has any concerns about any animal work is encouraged to report them. The anonymity of persons reporting concerns will be maintained. Concerns can be reported to the Director of Animal Ethics and Compliance (Marie Bédard), the Chair of the Animal Care Committee (Dr. Marc Ekker), or to the University Veterinarian and Director of the Animal Care and Veterinary Service  (Dr. Holly Orlando).