Douglas will lead development of a comprehensive animal wellness strategy, disciplines and practices. He will in collaboration with the company’s pork and poultry operations in addition to diverse stakeholders including customers, non-government organizations and governments.
Michael McCain, president and CEO of Maple Leaf Foods, said in a statement that the humane treatment of animals raised for food production is “a social and ethical priority” for the company.
“As Canada's largest protein company, Maple Leaf is committed to leadership, through modeling and advocating for higher standards across the industry,” McCain said. “Dr. Douglas brings significant experience in animal care policy and program development, disease management, antimicrobial resistance, training and stakeholder relations to Maple Leaf. With his leadership, supported by the commitment and existing bench strength of our people and operations, we will build a world class program.”
Douglas brings 10 years of public service in the veterinary field to his new post. As Chief Veterinarian for Ontario, Douglas led the management of the province’s animal health policy and program development delivery. Additionally, he led the response to several well-publicized animal disease outbreaks, including porcine epidemic diarrhea virus (PEDv), avian influenza and bovine spongiform encephalopathy, for which he received a National Public Service award.
Douglas earned a bachelor of science in biology with a minor in agricultural economics from the Univ. of Saskatchewan. He received his Doctor of Veterinary Medicine from Western College of Veterinary Medicine, Univ. of Saskatchewan.
