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Meet the founders

The people behind Canvas, building this practice from the ground up, together.

Dr. Cathy Gies

BSc, DVM · Founding Veterinarian

Cathy grew up in Alberta and has been part of veterinary practice for as long as she can remember — she even helped build Calgary's first 24-hour referral centre before becoming a vet herself. That lifelong closeness to the work shapes how she leads: with care for the people as much as the patients. Since owning an extended-hours general practice in Surrey, BC, she's been searching for a venture to move the profession forward in a positive light — one that's healthy and lasting for the teams behind the medicine. The Comox Valley, with its close-knit community and real need for extended care, felt like exactly the right place to build it.

Special interestsGeriatric medicineLeadershipTeam culture
Home
Qualicum Beach
Education
BSc, University of Calgary
DVM, University of Calgary
Foundational experience
Extended-hours general practice ownership and management
10 years in urgent care and general practice
Advanced leadership training
People and culture lead
Practiced in Calgary, AB, Surrey and Qualicum Beach, BC

Dr. Sarah Dyck

HBSc, DVM · Founding Veterinarian

Sarah grew up in a military family, moving across the country before falling in love with her new home on Vancouver Island. She's drawn to emergency work for the pace, the team, and the chance to show up for families on their hardest days. Having cared for families at practices all across the Valley and beyond, she's grown a real sense of community — and a natural gift for bringing a team together. Off the clock, she's on a trail with her horses and dogs, or hunting down the next good coffee .

Special interestsEmergency medicineEmergency surgeryCaring for community
Home
Black Creek
Education
HBSc, University of Guelph
DVM, Ontario Veterinary College
Foundational experience
4 years in emergency medicine
Background in mixed animal practice
Emergency relief work across BC
Practiced in Courtenay, Comox, Nanaimo, Victoria, Surrey and Kelowna, BC

Dr. Dave Rubenstein

BSc, DVM · Founding Veterinarian

Dave spent the first chapter of his career in emergency medicine at some of the busiest ER hospitals across the US and Canada, where he learned to lead calm, capable teams through the moments that matter most. In his next chapter, he and Cathy owned and led a busy general practice on the Mainland before being drawn to the beauty of Vancouver Island. He's built the range of medical and surgical skill that only years on the ER floor can give.

Special interestsEmergency medicineEmergency surgeryA sustainable profession
Home
Qualicum Beach
Education
BSc, McGill University
DVM, Ontario Veterinary College
Foundational experience
15 years in emergency medicine
10 years in urgent care and general practice
Extended-hours general practice ownership and management
Emergency medical director roles
Practiced in Pennsylvania, Washington State, California, Toronto, Edmonton, Calgary, and Surrey, B.C.