relating the CHIROPODY ACT - Leg · 2011-03-22 · "CHIROPODY ACT" INQUIRY. REPORT OF THE...

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"PUBLIC INQUIRIES ACT"

REPORT OF

Th~ Honourable Mr. Justice A. M. HarperCommissioner appointed by an Order of the Lieutenant-Governor

in Council, dated the 15t day of June, 1945

relating to the

"CHIROPODY ACT"

VICTOltlA. H.C.:l'rlntcO bJ' CUAIILE$ F. llAKl"fKI,P, Printer 10 the :Killg:'l:! )I...,;t l~xtcllcnl ~Illksl~·.

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"PUBLIC INQUIRIES ACT ",

REPORT OF

The Honourable Mr. Justice A. M. HarperCommissioner appointed by an Order of the Lieutenant-Governor

in Council, dated the 1st day of June, 1945

relating to the

"CHIROPODY ACT"I

VICl'OUIA, B.C.:1.'I'illlell1Jy CUAHLIIH It'. HASFIELn, Pl'inter to the Killg'~ )Iosl Excell£'lIt' .\Cnj.·):oIl.",

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CONTENTS.PAGE.

Work of Commission 3

Appreciation of Assistance :________________________________________________________________________________________ 3

Deftn itions ~____________________________________________________________________________________________ 4

Chiropody in U.S.A. 4

Chi1'0pody in Great Britain 9

Provision for Training in the Practice of Chiropody for Ex-Service Men : 14

Opportunities for training Veterans in' the Study of Chiropody____________________________________ 16

Present Status of Ex-Service Personnel interested in the Study of Chiropody 19

Requirements governing Practice of Chiropody in British Columbia 19

P rosecuti0 ns _.. .-'- .___ 22

"CHIROPODY ACT" INQUIRY.

REPORT OF THE COMMISSIONER.

To Hi8 HonoU1' WILLIAM CULHAM WOODWARD,

Lieutenant-Governor of the P1'ovince of British Columbia.

MAY IT PLEASE YOUR HONOUR:

Your Commissioner appointed by Your Honour's Commission, bearing date the1st day of June, 1945, for the purpose of causing an inquiry to be made into and surrounding the provisions of the '.' Chiropody Act" with a view" to ascertaining whetheror not the provisions as to qualification, examination, and admission of chiropodistsunder the Act are reasonable, and also as to whether special provision should be madein the Act or elsewhere regarding discharged members of the Armed Forces who whilein the Armed Forces or as part of their post-war training have taken up the study andpractice of chiropody," has the honour to submit his report. '

WORK OF COMMISSION.

Public notice of the time and place of the various sittings of the Commission wasgiven by The British Columbia Gazette, as well as by, newspapers cireulating throughoutthe Province, in addition to notices forwarded by the Secretary to this Commission,Mr, B. H. E. Goult, to various persons throughout the Province of British Columbiainterested in the proceedings of the Commission and who had expressed a desire togive evidence. .

The Commission sat for twenty-two days and sessions were held at, the Cities ofVancouver and Victoria. Mr. J. E. Eades, barrister, of Vancouver, was Counsel forthe Commission, and Mr. W. S. Owen, K.C., appeared as Counsel for the Board ofExaminers in Chiropody.

The evidence of twenty-two witnesses who appeared and gave evidence has beenrecorded in 961 pages of transcript. Submissions of Counsel appearing before theCommission are recorded in an additional twenty-four pages. A total of ninety-sixexhibits were also received in evidence.

APPRECIATION OF ASSISTANCE.

Your Commissioner wishes to express his appreciation of the services of the Secretary appointed for' this Commission, Mr. B. H. E. Goult, who was indefatigable inrendering valuable assistance. in the presentation of evidence. Mr. J. E. Eades, Counselfor the Commission, also rendered services of high value, whilst Mr. W. S. Owen, K.C.,was in att~ndance on behalf of the Board of Examiners in Chiropody at every sittingof the Commission and presented the view-point of his clients with ability and fairness.

Your Commissioner would also like to express his thanks and appreciation of themedical witn~sses, who, at some inconvenience to themselves, willingly gave their timeand services in presentation of their views as to the relationship of the practice ofchiropody to the medical profession. In this connection it should be noted that Dr. A. J.MacLachlan, a specialist in surgery, 'and who for the last twelve years has occupied theposition of Registrar of the College of Physicians and Surgeons of the Province ofBritish Columbia, was in attendance at several sittings of the Commission and gavevaluable evidence as to the ancillary relationship of chiropody to the science of medicine.

3

4 BRITISH COLUMBIA.

Dr. J. R. Naden, who has practised his profession in the City of Vancouver as anorthopedic specialist for some fifteen years, also gave the Commissioner the benefit ~f

his opinions. Dr. J. H. MacDermot, who, it was disclosed in his evidence, has a veryintimate knowledge of the chiropody profession, was another witness, as well as CaptainL. A. Patterson, M.D., Royal Canadian Army Medical Corps, who dealt fully with theservices rendered by chiropodists in the Canadian Army Overseas, as well as theirwork in the Dominion of Canada.

DEFINITIONS.

At this juncture it is well to define the meaning of the word" chiropody." OneCounsel's definition is: "a branch of the healing arts which deals with the diagnosisand treatment of ailments of the human foot." Another: "a practice anciIIaryhandmaiden-to medical practice in a limited field."

The 'scope of the inquiry herein necessitates dealing with the progress of thechiropody profession in the British Isles, Canada, and the United States of America, insome particularity.

CHIROPODY IN THE UNITED STATES OF AMERICA.

Dealing first with the science of chiropody in the United States of America: Oneis impressed with the variations in the different statutes of the forty-eight States.Outstanding is the legislation of the States of California, Illinois, New York, andPennsylvania. A National Association of Chiropodists of "the United States wasfounded in 1912, and at the present time most of the forty-eight States and the Districtof Columbia have chiropody associations which are in affiliation with the NationalAssociation. For the purpose of this report, a succinct summarization of the legislative requirements for the practice of chiropody in each of the States of America iscontained in Exhibit No. 85, which is as follows:-

"CHIROPODY ACT" INQUIRY. 5

STATE LAWS REGULATING CHIROPODY.

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State.

Alabama _

Arizona2. ~_. .Arkansas .._~ . _.California3•... _

Colorado _

*Connecticut . _DeJaware, _

.District of Columbia• Florida _

Georgia.. ... ..... _Idaho _

Illinois _Indiana ~. . .Iowa . _Kansas_._._... _

*Kentucky2 .Louisiana . ..._.

• Maine ._.__. .__..._.. _·Maryland _

Massachusetts _*Michigan4 ._•..

Minnesota . . ...._Mississippi ._..Missouri ...__. .. ._Montana .. .__..__....Nebraska _

• Nevada" ._. .. ._

*New Hampshire __.....New Jersey _New Mexico;.. .. .New York _

"North Carolina _North Dakota _Ohio _Oregon _

Oklahoma _*Pennsylvan ia . .....Rhode Island _South Carolina _South Dakota _Ten nessee __._. . .....Texas . ... . ..

·Utah _

·Vermont _*Virginia _..__ ... ..

Washington 2 ----_ .West Virginia _

Wisconsin _. .... _.~_Wyoming _ _. ._

• Accepts a four-year professional course in a recognized chiropody school on an equal basis with the educationalrequirements shown.

1 D.S.C.=Doctor of Surgical Chiropody.2 Requires examination in basic sciences.3 Entrance requirements for those matriculating in 1944 will include two years of approved college work ..! Will require one year credit in approved college as an entrance requirement and four years at chiropody

school, effective January 1st. 1942.i'i A four-year professional course will. be required, effective January 1st, 1942.

6 BRITISH COLUMBIA.

The N:ational Association of Chiropodists in the United States has establisheda standard which it considers advisable and necessary for the students attendingschools of chiropody. It should be further said that the National Association functions chiefly as an evaluating agency and undertakes at stated periods inspection ofschools of chiropody throughout the United States. The requirements of this Association on educational and professional standing are as follows:-

(a..) Graduation from a standard high school:(b.) Pre-chiropodical education in a recognized college of liberal arts and

sciences:(c.) Professional training consisting of a total of 3,900 hours in lecture,

laboratory, and clinic in a recognized chiropody college.

The Council on Education of the National Association has further given itsapproval to the following outstanding schools of chiropody throughout the UnitedStates:-

1. California College of Chiropody, San Francisco.2. Chicago College of Chiropody, Chicago, Illinois.3~ Illinois College of Chiropody, Chicago, Illinois.4. Long Island University, School of Podiatry, New York, N.Y..5. Ohio School of Chiropody, Cleveland, Ohio.6. Temple University, School of Chiropody, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania.

In addition to these schools of chiropody there are, of course, other schools which arerecognized only in the States in which they are situate.

These six schools, which are the only ones recognized by the National Associationof Chiropodists, should be dealt with in order:-

1. CALIFORNIA COLLEGE OF CHIROPODY.

This is a college of high standing and of special interest to students going from. British Columbia. It is the school most easily and cheaply available and several

Canadian ex-Service men, with the financial assistance of the Canadian Departmentof Veterans' Affairs, are in attendance at it and taking its courses. It is situate inthe City of San Francisco, and it is understood to be seeking affiliation with the'University of California. It should be said that by regulation of the National Association of Chiropodists, in order to maintain recognition by the Council of Educationof the National Association of Chiropodists, affiliation with a recognized University isto be made compulsory by the year 1947. The courses of study pursued in this collegelead to the degree of Doctor of Surgical Chiropody. At the pr~sent time eleven members of its Faculty hold medical degrees and these 'approximate about one-half of itsentire staff.

An announcement recently issued states its requirements as follows:-

Each applicant for admission to the California College of Chiropody must showsatisfactory evidence of having completed at least a one-year course of college grade illan approved school before commencing the resident course at the college, such studentcourse at the present consisting of three scholastic terms totalling 3,360 hours. Commencing with the entering freshman class in 1946, the resident course in chiropody isincreased to four scholastic years.

Although the California College of Chiropody is adverse to and has not establishedany base of evaluation whereby any special credit is allowed to men who did practicalwork with the Army Medical Corps, for the reason that it holds that shortening theeducational course would sacrifice in some degree the quality of its professional gniduates, it nevertheless has eliminated long summer vacations and by this means hasenabled students to complete a four-year college course in slightly more than threecalendar years.


In an advice given to the secretary of the British Columbia Board of Examinersit is stated:-

You might investigate the possibility of advising Canadian men now in the Serviceto enroll in extension courses given by correspondence through recognized colleges.This work then could be validated through the "United States Armed Forces Institute,or a similar Canadian agency. You will also note that in 1946, in accordance with theruling of the Council on Education, this college will require four years of professionaltraining. Although we are fully in sympathy with your desire to make Chiropody moreaccessible to returning Service personnel, we feel that it would be a terrible mistake forthe future of our profession to do so by lowering the standards of our schools. In thelong run, in addition to turning out graduates less fully trained, it would also inevitablyplace them in an inferior position amongst their colleagues in later years. We wouldappreciate very much if you will keep us informed of the benefits which the CanadianGovernment may make available to their Service men and women.

The United States Armed Forces Institute would seem to be a United StatesGovernment organization set up to deal with the educational training of men still inthe Forces. In other words, it is a sort of preliminary course.

2. CHICAGO SCHOOL OF CHIROPODY.

This school has followed a course somewhat similar to that of the California College of Chiropody in assisting ex-Service men.

In a communication from one of its Faculty, dated July 3rd, 1945, it is stated:-

This college is now conducting an accelerated course in which the four collegiateyears of eight semesters, by eliminating summer vacations, is completed' in threecalendar years. It is our intention to continue on this basis until the ex-Service personnelhas been given an opportunity to avail themselves of this plan.

Inasmuch as we are an educational institution incorporated not for profit in theState of Illinois, it becomes necessary that we comply with the regulations of its educational authorities, and the minimum that we can consider at this time would be threecalendar years, or 3,600 hours.

In view of the fact that our present educational requirements are now at theminimum of 15 units of accredited high school, which is also the minimal requirementsof the State of Illinois, it would not be possible to enter into any further reduction inthis regard. .

In closing, I wish to state that it is our desire to give every possible considerationto ex-Service men and women, but in order to maintain our recognition I do not feel thatit would be desirable nor to the best advantage of the profession to reduce our presentstandards too radically.

3. ILLINOIS COLLEGE OF CHIROPODY AND FOOT SURGERY, CHICAGO, ILLINOIS.

This is one of the well-recognized schools of chiropody, and its course of study isvery comprehensive. According to its bulletin, the students study the followingsubjects:-

Anatomy, histology, physiology, chemistry, pharmacy, materia medica and therapeutics, bacteriology, pathology, hygiene and sanitation, ethics, jurisprudence andclinics, surgery, dermatology, neurology, physical therapy, diagnosis and Roentgenology,:orthopedics, chiropody, shoe therapy, cultural subjects, a total three-year programmeof 3,604 hours; . and then an internship of the fourth year, when they take up clinicalservice, surgery clinic, diagnostic clinic, physical therapy clinic, dermatology department, shoe therapy department, orthopedic· clinic, children's department, neurologydepartment, orthopedic laboratory, chiropody clinic, or a total of 1,020 hours; andthen conferences, clinical laboratories, dispensary, clinical clerkship, department ofresearch and special assignments; 76 hours, or·a total for the fourth year programmeof 1,096 hours, making a grand total for the four-year course of 4,700 hours.

This college is operated under State supervision as well as supervision of theCouncil on Education for the National Association of Chiropodists.

8 BRITISH COLUMBIA.

In a communication from the Dean of this College, dated June 22nd, 1945, a strongstand is taken against any lowering of the standard of entrance requirements. A shortquotation from this letter will express the views of this institution:-

Furthermore, it must be emphasized that the profession of Chiropody, in commonwith the Medical and Dental professions, have striven for progressively improved educational standards with the idea that the public welfare is best served by the productionof better educated and better trained chiropodists. The six Chiropody colleges in theUnited States which are approved by the Council on Education are co-operating towardsthe attainment of a more uniform educational standard. So far as the Illinois Collegeof Chiropody and Foot Surgery is concerned, we have agreed that within a reasonabletime after the close of the war, we shall advance our entrance requirements to includeone year of accredited college work in the arts and sciences. Three of the other collegesalready require that credit for entrance and one of the colleges requires two years ofcredit in the arts and sciences for entrance.

It should further be stated that this school has established no basis of evaluationwhereby any special credit could be allowed to men who did practical work in the ArmyMedical Corps. It has, however, during the past two years operated on an acceleratedbasis, which has been accomplished, not by any reduction in educational requirementsor the number of hours spent in study or training, but by the elimination of longsummer vacations; but it is contemplated to re-establish its summer vacation in theyear 1947. Its course of study is a four-year one, but under the accelerated plan whichhas been in operation students have been able to complete their course in slightly morethan three calendar years.

4. FIRST INSTITUTE OF PODIATRY, LONG ISLAND UNIVERSITY.

This is a school of high standards, and has on its staff a considerable number ofmedical men. All matters pertaining to professional requirements are under the controlof the Regents of the University of the City of New York. In reply to an inquiry asto whether special consideration would be given to ex-Service men who wished to takea course of training at this school, in a letter from the President of this institute,dated July 24th, 1945, it is stated as follows:-

If there is to be any modification of these requirements as applied to applicants whohave served with the Allies in World War Ir., it will have to emanate from oureducational sponsors.

This institute did, however, during the period of the war shorten its course ofthree years and three months of studentship into a course of thirty months, throughmore intensive application, the avoidance of vacation periods, and prolonged sessions,but this arrangement has been only of a temporary nature, and no doubt will be discontinued now that World War II. is over.

5. OHIO COLLEGE OF CHIROPODY, CLEVELAND, OHIO.

This college is organized and maintained in conformity with the laws, rules, andregulations of the State Medical Board of Ohio and the Council of Education of theNational Association of Chiropodists. Whilst not affilJated with any of the StateUniversities, from a perusal of its announcement for the year 1946 it would appear tobe a school of high standing, having on its board of directors, administrative staff andfaculty, many of the medical profession. The course includes the teaching of anatomy,bacteriology, materia medica and minor surgery of the foot.

6. TEMPLE UNIVERSITY, PHILADELPHIA, PA.

This is another chiropody school which has the. endorsation of the National Association of Chiropodists of the United States of America. The entrance requirementsare fixed by the Council of Education of the National Association and requires four


years of high-school training and one year of training in a college of liberal arts. Itdoes not give any credit for practical work in the Army Medical Corps, nor does it giveany accelerated course. In a communication from the Dean of this college, dated June29th, 1945, it is stated that Temple University is governed entirely by the NationalAssociation of Chiropodists and makes no exception to the rulings laid down by thatAssociation.

CHIROPODY IN GREAT BRITAIN.

The professional standard of the science of chiropody in Great Britain is not ashigh as that enjoyed in the United States of America, as excerpts from evidence whichappear hereunder show. .

There is no law prohibiting persons from practising chiropody without specializedtraining, although the Chiropody Group Council, British Medical Association House,Tavistock Square, London, England, is the recognized qualifying body in chiropody.This Council is representative of five approved bodies-namely, The British Association of Chiropodists, The Chelsea Chiropodists Association, The Chiropody Practitioners eN.Ch.), Ltd., The Incorporated Society of Chiropodists, and The Northern Chiropodists Association.

The total membership of the five bodies referred to is approximately 3,000, mostof whom are registered in the National Register of Medical Auxiliary Services.

A good general education is necessary and some training centres require studentsto have passed an examination of School Certificate standard. The minimum age atwhich to begin training is 17 years, and in normal times some centres will not 'acceptstudents under 18. Owing to the amount of medical and scientific knowledge whichhas to be absorbed, people over 35 years of age are sometimes not suitable for training,but individuals vary and there is no fixed upper age limit. Good hands and eyesightare necessary, but the work is suitable for persons suffering from other disabilities.

Training consists of two years full-time course at an approved school of chiropody,leading to membership in one of the five recognized professional associations.

Training includes instruction in' general elementary science, including physics,chemistry, biology, anatomy and physiology, and physiology and pathology of the footbeing studied in detail. Lectures are also given on the principles of surgery andmedicine and on the theory and practice of chiropody. Practical work is done in footclinics under the supervision of experienced chiropodists and visits of observation maybe arranged with other hospitals and clinics.

The first professional examination is taken at the end of the first year, and thefinal at the end of the course. The panel of examiners has to be approved by theRoyal College of Physicians and by the Royal College of Surgeons.

The cost of training varies according to the centre chosen, but it is generallyfrom about 40 to 90 guineas for the full two-year course. In addition, books andinstruments may cost up to £15.

There are ten recognized training centres, six in England and four in Scotland.Prospectuses of the Edinburgh .Foot Clinic School of Chiropody, East Lancashire FootHospital, London and Southern Training Centre, and Manchester Foot Hospital andSchool of Chiropody were submitted in evidence as Exhibit 62. Some details of therequirements of these schools may be valuable as a comparison with the requirementsof United States colleges teaching the same subjects.

The Edinburgh School of Chiropody was established in 1924 to provide a thoroughtraining, theoretical and practical, for intending students. The school offers advantages to students who wish to qualify for the diploma of the Incorporated Society ofChiropodists eM.1.S.Ch.). This diploma is recognized generally as a standard whichensures scientific knowledge and careful practical training.

10 BRITISH COLUMBIA.

Classes are open to those over the age of 18 years, who have passed the preliminary examination or an equivalent to the satisfaction of the school committee, andwho produce certificates as to character. The course is for two years, and includessuch subjects as chemistry, dermatology, surgery, materia medica, clinical diagnosis,and theory of chiropody. The syllabus shows that considerable time is given to practical work.

Training of the East Lancashire Foot Hospital is based upon the official syllabusof the British Association of Chiropodists. The course is particularly designed forstudents entering the profession and covers a minimum of twelve months. The courseincludes such subjects as anatomy, physiology, pathology, orthopedics, materia medica,theoretical chiropody, practical chiropody, and mechanotherapy.

The London and Southe1'n Training Centre's course is based upon the official syllabus of the British Association of Chiropodists, and the students being registered, placesthem under the jurisdiction of the Association as the school is a recognized trainingcentre..

The course covers a minimum period of twelve months. To meet the needs ofpractising chiropodists and members of allied professions who desire coaching witha view to entering for the opening membership examinations of the British Association of Chiropodists, coaching courses are arranged to meet individual requirements.

The course of study includes anatomy and physiology, pathology, orthopedics,materia medica, theoretical chiropody, practical chiropody, mechanotherapy, generalprocedure.

The Manchester Foot Hospital and School of Chiropody gives a course leading tothe award of the diploma of the Incorporated Society of Chiropodists (M.r.S.Ch.). Therequirements for those entering the school are the same as those for the EdinburghFoot Clinic and School of Chiropody. The course extends for two years and includespractical work at the Manchester Foot Hospital. Two examinations are held, the firstprofessional examination at the end of the first year and a final examination followingcompletion of the course. .

Subjects of study include anatomy, physiology, materia medica, general science,clinical chiropody, practical chiropody, theory of chiropody, surgery, and pathologyand medicine.

According to the evidence of the Secretary of the Board of Examiners on Chiropody for British Columbia, the chiropody profession became recognized as a medicalauxiliary only after twenty-five years' active work by members of the profession, whoagreed to establish a definite educational standard. Before that time they only requireda course of six months of about two hours four times a week. The course thereafterwas extended to two years, and while it appears they would like to extend the courseto three years, they find difficulty in doing so because they have no Government regulation or legislation.

.It has been necessary to discuss at some length the requirements of these recognized schools because a comparison of their requirements and those of the Smae Schoolof Chiropody is necessary. It was upon the training given by the Smae School ofChiropody that so many of the veterans who appeared before the Commission dependedfor their livelihood in Canada, and particularly in British Columbia. The fact thatat least one of these men found that more training at a college recognized by the BritishColumbia College of Chiropodists was necessary before he could practice in BritishColumbia gave rise to the complaint which in the main precipitated this inquiry.

It is clear from the following communication from the Chief of Staff of the Canadian Military Headquarters in London that ex-Service men were being misinformedas to the legislative requirements of the different Provinces of Canada:-

"CHIROPODY ACT" INQUIRY.

EXHIBIT 81.

11

61/ColT Courses/1 (Trg. 1b)Canadian Military Headquarters,2 Cockspur Street,Trafalgar Square,London S.W.1.

27 Aug 45.The Secretary,Department of National Defence,Ottawa, Canada.

Chiropody Course.

1. Ref your HQ 857-1-18 (Edn.) dated 13 Aug 45, forwarding correspondence from theCommission of Inquiry, Chiropody Act, of the Province of British Columbia.2. The course in Chiropody conducted at the SMAE Institute, Leatherhead, is one ofthe courses available to members of the Cdn Forces, (0) desirous of this type of trg.A copy of the Prospectus issued by the SMAE Institute attached hereto.3. As a result of inquiries from SMAE and our medical services we have been underthe impression, until recently, that graduates from the SMAE course would, on returnto Cda, require only a business license before starting practice in Cda. This was substantiated by infm at SMAE to the effect that two graduates were, in fact, practisingin the Province of Quebec with no further qualifications. In Apr 45 we did, however,receive infm that this condition did not apply to all provinces of Cda.4. It is not our practice to make definite promises of Cdn. credit for successful completion of any overseas courses. We do advise students that veterans are normallygiven preferential treatment and that an overseas course will usually assist, and savetime, in obtaining final credits in Cda.5. Other than the above statement of our policy, we are unable to give any definiteproof or contradiction to the statement from K.80097 Sgt. Fairburn, John. It issuggested that the matter be referred to Maj. A. W. Boulter who dealt with his caseoriginally and who has now returned to Cda.6. The financial details regarding payment for the course in Chii'opody are covered inour letters, Dc 13 dated 23 Jun 44, and Dc 16 dated 23 Apr 45; copies attached.

DAM/EG (P. J. Montague) Lieut-GeneralChief of Staff

CANADIAN MILITARY HEADQUARTERS.

The Smae School of Chiropody referred to in Exhibit 81 is a correspondence schoolwhich was founded in 1919 by Mr. W. S. Dixon-Child. The school is located at Leatherhead, England, and teaches its course by correspondence and by personal tuition. Thesetwo courses are known respectively as Course" A " and Course" B."

Course" A" is described as "a complete correspondence course which deals withthe whole of the curriculum or study of chiropody as a subject."

Course " B " is known as a membership course and is described by the prospectusof the institute as comprising personal and private tuition for a period of at least fiftyhours. The prospectus further states:-

It is not a <?complete course in the same way as Course" A " is, for this second coursehas been arranged specially for the student who has already taken Course "A." Inother words Course" A" covers the complete study of Chiropody, but Course" B" isthe finishing course which entitles the graduate to become a member.

Before any student can become a .member of the School of Surgical Chiropody,which carries the distinction of affixing" lVI.8.S.Ch." after the graduate's name, bothperiods of instruction must be taken.

The" A " Course is stated to be entirely a postal course which is held out to be"often sufficient for the needs of many workers." Course'" A" consists of fifteenspecially written' lessons covering anatomy, physiology, pathology, orthopedics,' bacteriology, chemistry, physiotherapy, and the theory and practice of surgical chemistry.The student's outfit of surgical instruments is included .in the course. Accompanyingeach lesson a test paper is sent to the student, covering the knowledge learnt in the


previous lesson. The student is expected to work these papers under examinationconditions, and to forward them to the school for correction. The final examinationmay be held either at home or at one of the school centres, at the option of the student.There are no examination fees. Upon the successful completion of the correspondencecourse a diploma is awarded, and the student may then, if it is so desired, proceed totake the requisite fifty h!Jurs' practical instruction and become a member of a Schoolof Surgical Chiropody.

The syllabus definitely points out that it is not necessary to take the" B " coursebefore practice. may be started. Indeed it is stated that the only objects in takingthe practical instruction are to give confidence to the student, to enable him to seedemonstrations of actual treatment, and to have supervised practice, and to enablea student to become a member of a School of Surgical Chiropody.

Fees run from 10 guineas for cash payment upon enrolment to 11 guineas forpayment over a stated period of time.

It was the opinion of the members of the medical profession, who gave evidencebefore the Commission, that the course offered by the Smae School was superficial andthat many of the subjects which the institute endeavoured to teach by correspondencecould not properly be taught by correspondence.

I quote from the evidence given by Dr. J. R. Naden, an orthopedic specialist practising in Vancouver:-

Q.-There is a statement here (from the syllabus of the Smae Institute), the lasthalf of the second paragraph: "Some students may be able to devote their whole timeto study and naturally will more quickly finish the Course, but the student who can onlyafford an hour or two each day may rest completely assured that he or she can definitelybecome a fully qualified and competent member of the chiropody profession in well undersix months." Would you agree with the statement, Doctor?

A.-No, not at all. Reading the literature from colleges and universities whichgive courses in chiropody and with British Columbia minimum requirements of 3,200hours, and the courses from most of the universities and colleges ranging from 3,200hours, some 3,500 to over 4,000 hours, and if a person only has to take one or two hoursa day for six months, then it is a very superficial training.

Dr. A. J. MacLachlan,* physician and surgeon practising in Vancouver and specializing in surgery, was asked by Counsel what he thought as to the value of a correspondence course in chiropody (transcript page 342):-

. A.-Well, straight chiropody?Q.-Yes.A.-I don't know, but as far as anatomy and so on, I think a correspondence course

would be foolish and not usable.Q.-Would you permit anyone graduating in medicine by correspondence to practise

medicine in this Province?A.-Absolutely no.

Dr. J. H. MacDermot, a physician and surgeon practising his profession in theCity of Vancouver, was asked his opinion as to the possibility of teaching chiropodyand training a person to practise chiropody by correspondence:-

A.-. . . I don't think it could be done.Q.-Could you teach bacteriology by correspondence?A.-,-I don't think so, Mr. Owen. So much depends on the oral teaching of those

subjects, and demonstration. I don't see how you can teach a particular subject likebacteriology by correspondence.

Q.-What about anatomy?A.-Hopeless.Q.-What about pathology?A.-The same.

• Registrar of the College of Physicians and Surgeons of British Columbia.


Q.-What about neurology?A.-No, you could not.Q.-Dermatology?A.-It could not be taught by correspondence.Q.-Roentgenology?A.-No.Q.-So if those are subjects which the chiropodist ought. to have some training in,

it follows that he could not be qualified in your estimation to practise chiropody bytaking a correspondence course?

A.-Not in my opinion.

Finally, Mr. J. E. Eades, Counsel for the Commission, in his argument before mestated :--

As to the Smae course, the evidence is overwhelmingly that that course is notsatisfactory to qualify a man for the practice of chiropody.

My conclusion is that it would not be in the public interest to permit anyone,being the holder of only a correspondence school diploma, to practise chiropody inBritish Columbia.

These observations lead to the consideration of the case of Sergeant John Fairburn. Sergeant Fairburn enlisted June 9th, 1940, in the 12th Field Ambulance of theRoyal Canadian Army Medical Corps, and was later transferred to the 13th FieldAmbulance. He left Camp Borden for England on November 11th, 1941, and remainedthere until 1944. It should be stated that while in Vernon he did" certain foot work,"as he termed it, under the supervision of Major Baldwin, and was in charge of theRegimental Chiropody sick parades. At Taplow, England, he was designated" WardOrderly." At that time chiropody was not classified by the Army regulations as a trade.In August of 1942 there was, however, opened an Army School of Chiropody, placedunder the supervision of a chiropodist by the name of Mr. Alfred Wood. This schoolcourse lasted for approximately five weeks. At the end of the fourth week the menattending this school were required to write an examination on the theory of themedical aspects of chiropody. Fairburn passed this examination with the highestrating possible, and was thereafter attached to, first, the No.5 General Hospital, andlater at the Alton Convalescent Hospital. At Alton Fairburn handled ordinary footcomplaints, such as corns, ingrown toe-nails, abrasions, and chilblains. At this timethe Canadian Legion did not have any school of chiropody, and Fairburn had to applyto Major Boulton, the officer in charge of the London C.M.H.Q. Certain correspondencetook place between Major Boulton and one Captain Allen, the Paymaster, in refererH")to enabling Fairburn to obtain a course in chiropody, which resulted in informatio;lbeing conveyed to Fairburn that arrangements had been made with the Smae Schoolof Chiropody, Leatherhead, for him to take this course. Fairburn agreed to do so andstarted taking a mail course, which has been above described. Fairburn, by reasonof his previous footwork, was allowed 50 hours on this course, and eventually secureda diploma granted by a School of Surgical Chiropody affiliated with the Smae Institute,entitling him to use the designation M.S.S.Ch. To secure this degree he studiedanatomy, physiotherapy, pathology, and some chemistry. On being queried as towhether he had made any inquiries if on obtaining this degree it would entitle him topractise chiropody in the Province of British Columbia, Fairburn stated that theEducational Officer and the Legion Department of Education had already advisedstudents that any course they took would be acceptable in their home district in Canada.

At the request of your Commissioner, the Secretary of this Commission, Mr.B. H. E. Goult, took up the matter with the Department of National Defence, Army,at Ottawa, and as a consequence the Secretary of the Department of National Defenceat Ottawa received the reply from Lieut.-General P. J. Montague, Chief of Staff,Canadian Military Headquarters, quoted in full hereinbefore and filed as Exhibit 81.


It is clear also that a number of ex-Service men from the Province of Ontarioencountered the same difficulty as Fairburn on their return to Canada." In a letter

, from the Secretary-Treasurer of the Board of Regents, "Chiropody Act, 1944," Province of Ontario, the Secretary, Mr. Martin Cole, D.S.C., states as follows:-

It seems that in England they have been sending some of the men to the Smae Schooland telling them they could practise in Canada when they got back. They are now makingquite an uproar when they find they car. not. Ottawa is interested and the CanadianLegion is bringing pressure to bear.

In a later communication from ,Mr. Cole, dated August 20th, 1945, to the Secretary of the Board of Examiners for British Columbia, the stand taken' by the Boardof Regents of Ontario is exactly that taken by the Board of Examiners of BritishColumbia. Mr. Cole in the letter just above referred to states, in part, as follows:-

The Board can not accept graduates of the Smae Institute. Its curriculum doesnot 'even remotely compare with the requirements of either England, Canada, or theU.S., and is thoroughly repudiated in England, its place of origin.

Whilst most sympathetic towards the returned man the Board feels it can notassume the responsibility, with its inevitable repercussions, of knowingly trusting woefully undertrained individuals with the public health, especially in view of the opinionheld by Dr. Ryerson, Dean of Medicine, Toronto University, that even with four yearsof training, in a good school, chiropodists do not know enough general medicine to makean accurate diagnosis. He implies that the course should be longer, not shorter.

It is quite evident from the above that these ex-Service men have been misinformed,and it is satisfactory to note, as will be shown hereunder, that the Department ofVeterans' Affairs has since taken steps to remedy the unfortunate advice they got inEngland.

PROVISION FOR TRAINING IN THE PRACTICE OFCHIROPODY FOR EX-SERVICE MEN.

One of the duties assigned to your Commissioner, as stated in the terms of theCommission issued herein, was to inquire whether special provisions should be madein the Act or elsewhere regarding discharged members of the Armed Forces, who,while in the Armed Forces or as part of their post-war training have taken up thestudy and practice of chiropody. The evidence of Sergeant John Fairburn, SergeantE. P. Tomey, Sergeant Wilkinson, Sergeant N. R. German, Sergeant D. W. Brinkman,and Sergeant R. M. Thomas discloses that they were misinformed whilst overseas asto their right to practise chiropody in Canada on their return from overseas service.The evidence of Sergeant John Fairburn already has been dealt with, but referenceshould also be made to the evidence of Sergeant Tomey, Command Chiropodist· stationed at Vancouver Barracks. Sergeant Tomey holds Industrial First-aid Certificateunder the Workmen's Compensation Board, and also Certificate of the St. John Ambulance Corps. He testified that he had been doing chiropody work continuously sincehe joined the Army in June, 1940. His training consisted in studying books on thefunctional disorders of the foot and also he took examinations set by the Army Boardof Physicians. Some of the personnel of this Board were Major Haig, Major Manson,and Major Burns. In addition, he personally attended at the clinic known as "Dixon& Devlin's Clinic," at Kansas City. In answer to a query as to whether he would bewilling to take a reasonable course, this witness stated that he would be glad to do soprovided it was in Canada; he had never taken up the matter with the Board ofExaminers under the" Chiropody Act," but from information he had received he wasof the opinion that he would not be given the right to practise in British Columbia.This information came from his assistant, Sergeant German.

Sergeant Norval R. German joined the Royal Canadian Medical Corps, October8th, 1942. Prior to his enlistment he was engaged in the occupation of shoe clerk inthe City of Nelson, and had worked at that vocation for some fifteen years. During


this period of time he became interested in chiropody, but did not pursue studies inthat branch of the healing art because of the cost involved in one instance, and thefact that a course from a certain school, which was not named by the witness, onlyallowed him to practise in the three Prairie Provinces, and Mr. German wished toremain in British Columbia. In 1943, upon enlistment, the witness's interest inchiropody revived, and he studied under the direction and supervision of SergeantTomey, reading Dixon & Devlin's Text-book and qualifying as a chiropodist followingan Army Trade Test in June, 1944. The sergeant stated that he would like to practisechiropody in this Province, and that he would appreciate having further training, butthat he did not wish to spend four years On taking this training. He said he did notknow that efforts had been made to make arrangements with certain recognized schoolsin the United States giving four-year courses to give credit to Active Service personnel,and stated that he thought it would be a good thing if it_ WqS arranged to give creditsand shorter courses under the direction of the Army Rehabilitation people.

Sergeant R. M. Thomas, a resident of Burnaby, and at the time of the inquirystationed at No.1 Convalescent Depot, Gordon Head, enlisted with the Seaforth Highlanders of Canada, October 2nd, 1939, as a stretcher-bearer. He proceeded overseasin December of that year and was chosen to do chiropodial work by his medical officer.At the suggestion of the Padre of the Battalion, Major Durnford, he took the SmaeInstitute course, paying one-third of the tuition fees. He also took a Canadian Armycourse, which he passed with distinction. Witness stated that the Army course tookeight hours a day, five days a week, for one month, but that it was not sufficientlyadvanced for him. Witness stated that he had not taken the practical part of theSmae course, which is Course" B," to which reference is made above. He proceededwith his Battalion to Sicily and to Italy, and was wounded December 23rd, 1943.Prior to his becoming a casualty, he looked after foot troubles of the men of the Battalion, which averaged approximately 200 a month.

,Upon his convalescence he was selected to act as Remedial Instructor on lowerextremity casualties. At this period he not only looked after Battalion casualties butalso British officers and personnel who were referred to him.

Sergeant Thomas returned home January 20th, 1945, and was thereafter postedto Gordon Head and was given a special training for remedial treatment of casualtiesof the war at Huntington, and upon his return to Gordon Head he treated this typeof casualty. He stated that he desired to practise chiropody after his discharge, buthad not applied for a licence in British Columbia, since he did not know exactly how togo about it.

Sergeant Edwai'd Wilkinson, of the Royal Canadian Army Medical Corps, enlistedSeptember 2nd, 1939. He was with the 5th B.C. Coast Brigade, R.C.A., and upon theoutbreak of hostilities organized a military inspection room at the various forts. Atthat time some fourteen existed in this area. He trained all of these in first aid, butvery little foot work was done at that time. In 1941 this soldier was transferred toEsquimalt Military Hospital, which was later removed to the Normal School at MountTolmie and which became known as the Victoria Military Hospital. In 1941 SergeantWilkinson sat for examination 'as Army Chiropodist and qualified. He has had otherexaminations since that time, both written and practical. He stated that the care ofthe feet was a study of his and upon his enlistment he expressed a desire to do nothingbut foot work. He stated that he had manufactured all types of supports and thefittings of shoes, and that he had done minor surgical work, such as removal of cornsand callouses. He further stated that he would like to practise chiropody in thisProvince, and if there was a course open to him he would like to take it. He statedunder cross-examination that if there was training available to fit himself for civilianwork in the field of chiropody the Army should provide it. He further stated to your


Commissioner that he would be interested in a special course that would permit himto practise in the Province of British Columbia.

Sergeant Sidney W. Brinkman enlisted in the 1st Battalion Canadian Scottish,March 11th, 1940, and proceeded overseas with the Corps of Signals. While in England this soldier was recategoried, and thereafter proceeded to do medical work. Atthe suggestion of Captain Ployart, M.S., Sergeant Brinkman took the Army MedicalCourse at Cove, near Aldershot. The course was designed to enable students to returnto their Units to treat minor ailments of the feet. Thereafter Sergeant Brinkmanhandled the feet of the men of the 3r~ Canadian Infantry Division Re-enforced Unit.In the meantime this soldier took the course at the Smae Institute and studied certainbooks upon chiropody suggested by this school. This course was recommended to himby one of the teachers at the Army School. The witness stated that he had taken thediploma course but not the practical course. The witness said further that he wasstill interested in a way in chiropody, but the chances seemed slim of making anythingout of it, because he had utilized his gratuity to build a house. The following excerptfrom the transcript is of interest;-

EXAMINATION BY MR. OWEN: Q.-If the Army authorities upon your discharge, or even now, made it possible for you to take a course which would properly fityou to practise chiropody, you would be interested in taking it, would you? Is thatwhat you mean?

A.-I would be interested, sir.Q.-If they paid for it and saw that you got a propel' course?A.-If it didn't mean leaving home for a long time or something like that. I have

a wife and child.Q.-You have been away a long time, I can appreciate that; but you would be

interested in doing whatever was necessary to properly equip yourself to practisechiropody?

A.-Yes.Q.-And you agree, I suppose, that since the Government has undertaken that

obligation with respect to other professions and trades they should assume .thatobligation so far as you are concerned?

A.-You mean training returned soldiers?Q.-Yes. Providing you had the opportunity to take a proper course at a propel'

institution which would equip you to follow your profession?A.-Yes, sir, but I would have had to receive that before, because I have spent my

gratuity, as I say, and my credit.

OPPORTUNITIES FOR TRAINING VETERANS IN THESTUDY OF CHIROPODY.

During the course of the inquiry it became apparent that the veterans who wereinterested in the study of chiropody felt they were precluded from entering this profession because of lack of training facilities in the Dominion of Canada. The evidencedefinitely show$ that negotiations had been carried on for the establishment of a suitable college of chiropody in Canada, but that it had become evident that such a planwas not practicable. Various letters which were read into the transcript show thatas late as April 25th, 1945, rehabilitation grants awarded veterans extended only toeducational training in Canada and not in the United States. This was due to thefact that there was no regulation to allow Canadian funds to be transferred to theUnited States to cover fees in accredited schools. This evidence was consideredjointly with evidence relating to the case of Captain C. G. LeBlanc.

Captain LeBlanc had studied for two years at the Dominion School of Chiropodyin Vancouver, which is not now in existence. He had also practised in Alberta andin Nova Scotia. Upon the outbreak of war he joined the Armed Forces and obtainedthe rank of Captain in the Royal Canadian Artillery. He applied to the Board ofExaminers in Chiropody for British Columbia about a rn.onth before he resigned his


Commission in the Army, and the Board advised him that he could be admitted forexamination providing he took an additional year at a recognized school of chiropody.To obtain the training, Captain LeBlanc communicated with the Department ofVeterans' Affairs, and on August 23rd, 1945, Mr. W. E. Rogers, Secretary for theDistrict Supervisor of Counselling, Vancouver, wrote to Captain LeBlanc to say thathis application for graduate study of chiropody at Temple University at Philadelphiahad been accepted by the Superintendent of Education, Ottawa, and that LeBlanc wouldreceive benefits under the Post Discharge Order, commencing in the autumn.. Provisionwas made for the maintenance of Captain LeBlanc's dependents.

At the request of your Commissioner, the Secretary to the Commission communicated with the Department of Veterans' Affairs, and on September 20th he receiveda communication from Mr. G. P. Hilma, writing on behalf of Mr. H. W. Jamieson,Superintendent of Educational Training. The letter reads in part as follows:-

As you probably know, benefits are paid under the Post Discharge Re-establishmentOrder to veterans who are continuing their education. Under ordinary circumstancesapplicants for benefits will be approved for training in Canadian institutions, and thechances are good that the veterans will be rehabiiitated through this training.

Where training facilities are lacking in Canada, benefits may be approved fortraining in institutions in other countries.

For some time negotiations were carried on for the establishment of a suitablecollege of chiropody in Canada. It has since become evident that such a plan would notbe practicable, and suitable applicants for training in chiropody have already beenapproved for benefits while training in the United States. Captain LeBlanc is oneease in point. '

Tuition fees are paid directly to the institution in U.S. funds, and maintenancegrants are payable by cheq~e to the veteran in Canadian funds, although they are sentto the university or training institution to be delivered to the student.

We are already paying benefits to individuals in a large number of institutions inthe United States, and we have experienced no difficulty in sending funds out of thecountry.

Your Commissioner is pleased to report that the inquiry has thus clarified themanner in which assistance is being given to veterans by the Federal authorities, whenthese veterans desire to continue the study of chiropody at accredited schools in theUnited States.

In that connection the evidence of Mr. Richard Horsfield, Supervisor for Trainingfor the Department of Veterans' Affairs, stationed in Vancouver, is illuminating anddescriptive of the ;method used by the Department in servicing the applications ofveterans.

Under direct examination by Mr. J. E. Eades, the following evidence was given :-

Q.-Upon receiving an applicant for training as a chiropodist, you examine aman's documents, and check his education, and so on?

A.-That is correct.Q.-What do you do next?A.-Well, what we like to do in all cases is to send a man to a practising member

of a profession-we might send a man to Dr. Gorosh or some one similar, to find outwhat their opinion is of the man. They can do it better than we can. Weare dealingwith many thousands all the time, and it is better to have an ·outside opinion.

Q.-Would you obtain a letter in such a case from Dr. Gorosh?A.-Oh, yes. We have to have a letter for two reasons; first, to see that we are

not making a mistake in recommending training for that man, and, secondly, that thereis no such training available in Canada.

Q.-Does that letter also state if he is trained it will qualify him to practise?A.-Fit him to make a living.Q.-But qualify him to practise in that particular field-you would be interested

in that?A.-Yes, we are interested in his getting his admission.Q.-Where training is authorized outside Canada do you provide all fees?A.-\Ve provide all the fees. We do not pay for books.


THE COMMISSIONER: For what?A.-We do not pay for books. We provide all the fees and grant him a gratuity

of $60 if single and 'if married $80 a month, and the usual allowance for children ontop of that.

MR. EADES: The children's allowance is $12 to each child up to a certain number,is it not? .

A.-$12 for the first two, $10 for the third, and $8 for the' fourth.Q.-Do you provide railway fares?A.-No, sir.Q.-In any case do you provide railway fares?A.-Only for training in Canada, but nothing outside Canada-not for anything

dealing with higher education.Q.-Higher education?A.-What we call higher education.Q.-Any particular reason for that, do you know?A.-Yes, there is. A man who takes higher education stands to profit in the long

run more from Government funds than a man who takes the ordinary vocational educational training.

Q.-I presume a man must prove to you he has the entrance requirements?A.-Yes, or we would not deal with him.Q.-And that the educational institution will accept him?A.-That is up to him. He has to produce to us a letter from the university or

school that he intends to enter.Q.-If a man has already been discharged from the Army, is this educational

training stilI available to him?A.-Up to--it varies a little bit, sir, what kind of training he is taking, but for the

average educational training he must apply for it within fifteen months.Q.-And if he has already obtained his gratuity-there is a certain gratuity given

him on his discharge?A.-Yes.Q.-Which varies with the length of service?A.-Yes. .Q.-If a man who has already been diSC,harged and has received a gratuity, could

he stilI obtain this additional training?A.-The gratuity doesn't bear any relation to the training. There is a credit

established. He has a credit established as well as his gratuity. He has the gratuityon one side and the credit on the other. The gratuity is paid to him in cash, but hiscredit is simply there as a credit. If he takes training all that credit is used up.

Q.-Do I understand the average gratuity to be somewhere about $400?A.-That is about the average.Q.-And a man also has a credit of $400?A.-Right.Q.-And that credit can be used for a number of things? He might purchase a

home or a farm?A.-There is an alternative to taking training.

Mr. Eades asked further if there was any limit in the length of time the Department would give training to a man. Witness replied that there was a limit which wasgoverned in normal circumstances by the length of the veteran's service; that is, if theveteran had been in the service for forty-eight months he would normally be entitledto forty-eight months' training.

Direct examination continued:-'-

Q.-Supposing a course is requested which would be a thirty-six months' course anda man has only twenty-four months in the service, what would happen in a case like that?

A.-Well, sir, that depends again on whether he is going into the university or aschool.

Q.-How is that?A.-If it is a university for instance, we can carry a man indefinitely, providing he

gets in the top 25 per cent. of his class; that does not apply to this particular type oftraining which we have here, which I think you are interested in, which is on a straightmonth per month basis.

Q.-Is it possible, if a man is showing promise, to have the time extended for thisparticular type of training?


A.-No, sir, not under normal circumstances. There is a distinction drawn. It israther loose; but if a man is attending university, which is a recognized university,then we carry him indefinitely, providing he is in the top 25 per cent. of his class. If itis not a recognized university then he comes under No.2 Vocational Training, and thenno matter what he does he can only get month per month.

Reverting to the case of Sergeant John Fairburn and his interview with Mr. J. I.Gorosh, D.S.C., Secretary of the Board of Examiners: his reception by the Secretaryof the Board of Examiners, both in the place where this interview took place and theground on which he was refused the privilege of presenting himself for examination,is not to be commended.

The interview took place in a public anteroom in the presence of patients, and hislack of education was given as the ground of refusal. On submitting the matter to itssolicitors, the Board of Examiners were advised that so far as educational requirementsof the applicant were concerned Fairburn should be considered as eligible to submithimself, but that as he did not have what may be termed the technical training andprofessional standing, his application should be refused. As to this second ground ofrefusal, there can be no quarrel, as Fairburn did not come up to the standard set bythe Board of Examiners; but, on the first ground-lack of education-my conclusionis that he should not have been refused his opportunity and should, as an ex-Serviceman, have received a more sympathetic hearing. The Secretary to the Board ofExaminers undoubtedly was very busy at the time Sergeant Fairburn called upon him,but it would have been more satisfactory if an appointment had been made for a timeat which he could have been heard and more consideration given to his applicationbefore an adverse decision was given.

PRESENT STATUS OF EX-SERVICE PERSONNEL INTERESTEDIN THE STUDY OF CHIROPODY.

An interesting development took place with respect to some of the witnesses,former members of the Armed Forces, who appeared before the Commission.

Captain LeBlanc, to whom reference has been made, is now a fourth year studentat Temple University.

Sergeant Tomey has been accepted for enrolment at California College of Chiropody.Sergeant Wilkinson has been advised to take preparatory training to qualify him

for entqmce to a school of chiropody.Sergeant" Thomas has been accepted for enrolment at Illinois College of Chiropody.Miss Lita Hoylind, formerly of the R.C.A.F. (W.D.), whose father, Mr. Harvie

Hoylind, gave evidence, may complete her training at Temple University.

Sergeants Brinkman and German have decided not to pursue their studies inchiropody fu~ther. Mr. Brinkman is presently employed and Mr. German is enteringbusiness.

In addition, seven other ex-Servicemen have been accepted for enrolment at theIllinois College of Chiropody or the California College of Chiropody.

Sergeant Fairburn has been informed that he is not barred from taking furthertrainiNg in chiropody, providing that the contemplated course is approved by theDepartment of Veterans' Affairs.

REQUIREMENTS GOVERNING THE PRACTICE OF CHIROPODYIN BRITISH COLUMBIA.

The practice of Chiropody in the Province of British Columbia is defined by the"Chiropody Act," R.S.B.C. 1936, chapter 37, and amendments thereto, which may befound in the 1937 Statutes of British Columbia.


Section 2 of the Act defines the practice of Chiropody and reads as follows:-

For the purposes of this Act the practice of chiropody is defined as constituting thediagnosis and treatment of such ailments of the human foot as arise from nail and skingrowths and such abnormalities, and the' diagnosis and treatment of other minor ailments of the foot, by massage, manipulation, application of inechanical devices, and thelike.

Section 11, subsection (1) provides that:-

No person unless he is a holder of a certificate of registration duly issued andrecorded under this Act, shall practise chiropody within the Province.

Section 5 states:-

Every person desiring to commence the practice of chiropody shall file with thesecretary of the Board an application, duly verified by statutory declaration, to besupplied by the Board, stating that the applicant is more than twenty-one years of age,of good moral character, and possesses the qualifications as to general education, training, and experience required by the regulations made _by the Board, and shall presenthimself before the Board and submit to an examination as to his qualifications for thepractice of chiropody.

Section 8, subsection (2) provides that the Association may pass by-laws regarding the election of the Executive Council of the Association, defining the committee ofthe Executive Council and its powers.

However, section 8, subsection (3), provides:-

Notwithstanding anything herein contained, the by-laws of the Association may bedisallowed by the Lieutenant-Governor in Council.

The regulations of the Board prescribe that a candidate for registration must bea graduate of a recognized school or college of chiropody giving a three-year residentialcourse of at least 3,200 hours.

In order to secure recognition, a school must meet the following conditions:-1. It should be organized on a non-profit basis and its Board of Trustees or Direc

tors should serve for fairly long terms. The officers and faculty should be appointedby the Board. The minimum number of teachers and practitioners acceptable to theBoard on the faculty shall be: Nine doctors of medicine, ten chiropodists (as teachersand lecturers), one chemist, one pharmacist, one Roentgenologist, one laboratorytechnician.

2. The following departments must be headed by doctors of medicine: Physiology,physiotherapy, Roentgenology, pathology, dermatology, neurology, chiropodical medicine, and surgery. Other departments may be headed by chiropodists or other specialists in their particular work.

3. A school should have at least 10 square feet of space for each student in thevarious departments, and should have at least one complete laboratory and clinic outfitfor every four students in each class. Chemistry and microscopy laboratories shall beseparate.

4. There shall be one clinician on duty for each ten students in the clinic.5. The insertion of an advertisement in a lay publication, school catalogue, or any

periodical in which previous students are invited to study chiropody on the basis ofthe economic returns from the said practice, shall be p1'ima facie evidence that theinstitution is primarily commercial, and such a school or college shall not be recognized.

6. A curriculum shall embrace the following subjects and hours:- Hours.Anatomy 256Chemist ry .... ,_______________ __ __ 192Bacteriology and biology ._________________________________________________ 128Physiology 224Hygiene and sanitati0 n 96Pathology .. 128


Hour•.Surgical chemistry . . 224Foot orthopedics .____________________________________________________________ 224Foot gear 64Physical therapy .. .__. . . 224Clinics __.. . . ._. . .. c_______________ 680Materia medica, pharmacy and therapeutics . 176Surgery . . . . . . .__. . ._______ 96Neurology . . . . .. ._. .________ 32Psychology .__. .__. : ._. ._. . . .________ 32Dermatology and syphilology . ._________________ 96Orthoped ic surgery . . . .. . . .__ 32Roentgenology .. _ . . . .______________ 64Medical diagnosis and chiropodital medicine . . . . 112Emel'gency . .. .__. .___________________ 16CuItural . . . . . . ._. ..._.. ... .._.. 104

British Columbia was the first Province in Canada, and it was asserted by onewitness to be the first in the British Empire, to pass a Chiropody law. Other Provinces in the Dominion having Chiropody Acts are: Alberta, Manitoba, Saskatchewan,and Ontario. The Board of Examiners have power to make regulations for admissionto British Columbia of persons who have been carrying on practice as chiropodists orqualified to.do so in any of the other Provinces of Canada.

The Alberta Act was passed in 1932 and practically duplicates the British ColumbiaStatute. There are two exceptions: First, in Alberta the Minister of Health appointsthe Board of Examiners, and it is his responsibility for carrying out the provisions ofthe Act; secondly, in Alberta the Government prosecutes those improperly practisingchiropody, whereas in British Columbia, whilst any person may be a prosecutor orcomplainant, all penalties imposed are paid over to the Board, 'Yho may allot the wholeor part of the penalties imposed toward the expenses of prosecution.

The Manitoba Act was passed in 1940, and differs from the British Columbia Actin that it has no penalty clause. Although unqualified persons are not allowed topractise under the Statute, there is no machinery set up for prosecuting such persons.Control of the membership of the Association of Chiropodists is placed in the hands ofa Council consisting of five members who make regulations in all matters reasonablynecessary for the carrying-out of the provisions of the Act and the conduct of theAssociation. One of the requirements of an applicant for registration, apart fromexamination on certain subjects, ·is that the applicant shall have at least the matriculation qualification of the University of Manitoba.

The control of the Saskatchewan Association of Chiropodists is placed in the handsof a Council elected annually, consisting of three members in good standing..' It is tobe noted, however, that the University of Saskatchewan holds the examinations requiredunder this Act in accordance with regulations prescribed for that purpose by its Senate.This body also determines whether examinations shall be written or clinical, andspecifies the subjects upon which candidates shall be required to pass before a certificateis issued. A successful candidate shall be entitled to receive from the Registrar ofthe Association a certificate entitling him to practise chiropody in the Province ofSaskatchewan.

The Provinc~ of Ontario in the year 1944 passed a Statute respecting the practiceof chiropody. In pursuance of this Act a Board of Regents is established, composedof five persons appointed by the Lieutenant-Governor in Council. With the approval ofthe Lieutenant-Governor in Council, this Board of Regents makes regulations affectingthe admission of chiropodists to practise-in Ontario and prescribing their qualifications.

Certain regulations have been passed by the Board of Regents and approved by theLieutenant-Governor in Council of Ontario, which deal with the examinations to be


held to enable students to qualify for the practice of chiropody, and each applicant isrequired to prove that he has either passed junior matriculation .examination or anequivalent, and also, in the case of applicants who have graduated from a school orcollege of chiropody, that the course of instruction in such school or college requires aminimum of 4,500 hours of instruction, or, in the event of having attended a schoolhaving a course of instruction which does not require a minimum of 4,500 hours'instruction, lias had five years' practical experience after graduation.

A noteworthy feature of the Ontario Act is that the Government of that Provincemaintains complete control over the administration of ,the Act, by means of retainingin its own hands the appointment of all the members of the Board of Regents. Thisis the only Act of any of the Provinces of Canada wl}ich precludes members of theProvincial Chiropodists Association from having a voice in the appointment of thegoverning body~

None of the, other Provinces-Quebec, New 'Brunswick, Nova Scotia, or PrinceEdward Island-have any legislation controlling or affecting the practice of the profession of chiropody.

CONSTITUTION OF THE BOARD OF EXAMINERS IN CHIROPODYIN BRITISH COLUMBIA.

The Board of Examiners under ,the British Columbia Statute are the governingbody of the British Columbia Association of Chiropodists. Their powers are veryextensive and broad. For the proper carrying-out of their statutory powers it is evident that the selection and appointment of its personnel is important, not 'only to theAssociation, but to the general public. Whilst not in agreement with the Ontario Actunder which all the members of the Board of Regents (which corresponds to the BritishColumbia Board of Examiners')' are appointed by the Lieutenant-Governor in Council,in view of the fact that chiropody is in reality a branch of medical science, I am of theopinion that the medical profession should have greater representation on the Board,and would therefore recommend that section 3 of the "Chiropody Act" should beamended to provide for an examining board of five persons, two o{whom shou~d be dulyqualified medical practitioners, both to be appointed by the Lieutenant-Governor inCouncil.

It would also, in my opinion, result in more democratic administration of theAssociation if the period for which all members of the Board should hold office bereduced from five to three years.

FEES PAYABLE FOR ADMISSION TO PRACTISE CHIROPODYIN BRITISH COLUMBIA.

A fee of $300 is now exacted for admission to the Association as a member. Thisfee is much in excess of that required to be paid in other Provinces. In view of theadmitted fact that there are not enough qualified chiropodists in British Columbia tosupply the public need, I am of the opinion that this admission fee should be drasticallyreduced'. There are at the present only twenty-nine qualified chiropodists in thisProvince, and these are' all practising in the Cities of Victoria, Vancouver, and NewWestminster. Evidence was presented to the Commission that there were good opportunities for chiropodists in the Interior of this Province. A reduction in the entrancefee would ,be an inducement to others to take the course of study required.

,I would therefore recommend that the fee 'for admission to the Association as a,member be reduced to $50.

PROSECUTIONS.

I am further of the opinion that the Association should be relieved of the burdenof laying informations for infringement of the "Chiropody Act." Though anyone


may lay an information, owing to the fact that all penalties are paid 'over to the Boardof Examiners the result has been that the Association has taken the responsibility forall prosecutions. It would, in my opinion, tend to more impartial administration ofthe "Chiropody Act" if such prosecutions. be undertaken by the Government andpenalties imposed be paid to the Government.

The assistance now given by the Department of Veterans' Affairs, which has beengiven since the institution of the Commission, as previously set forth, has greatlyimproved the position of the returned man, and it is not now necessary to make anyrecommendation relating thereto.

In conclusion, I would not recommend any lowering of the standards set by theexamining Board in Chiropody for admission to the Profession. The evidence of themembers of the medical profession was adverse to any lowering of such requirements,as being against the public interest, and I am in agreement with them.

All of which is respectfully submitted.

January 10th, '1946.A. M. HARPER,

Commissioner.

VJCTOHIA. B.C.:1'l'illicIlllr CIiAHLI~H Ii', H~\NFmLn, Printer 10 the King-'s :\JC)~t Exccllcllt. ~l11JC~I~·.

1040.

,350-146-2362

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