If by VMC you mean 'flying under the hood' then yes you need a safety pilot. Your safety pilot needs to be instrument rated (either CIR or PIFR) as he is flying under IFR (CAR 5.80 (1)(a)). He should also be rated on the aircraft type because he is part of the flight crew on board and all crew must be appropriately rated for the aircraft type that he is flying. (CAR 5.79 (1)(a))