Introduction:
Canada’s pharmacy profession has undergone significant transformation over the past decade, with pharmacists playing an increasingly vital role in delivering accessible, patient-centered care. The pharmacy profession in Canada is shaped by a collaborative ecosystem of practice, education, regulation, and professional leadership.
This session will provide a national perspective on pharmacy in Canada through the voices of key organizations representing community pharmacy, hospital pharmacy, academia and regulatory bodies. Participants will gain insight into the expanding roles of pharmacists across healthcare settings, the evolution of pharmacy education and workforce development, regulatory frameworks that support safe and effective practice, and innovative models of care that are improving patient outcomes. Together, the presentations will highlight Canadian accomplishments, continuing challenges and lessons relevant to pharmacy leaders internationally.
Programme:
| 12:30 – 12:35 | Welcome |
|
| 12:35 – 12:45 | Community Pharmacy in Canada and national leadership |
| Dr Sadaf Faisal, Chief Pharmacist Officer, Canadian Pharmacists Association, Canada | |
| 12:45 – 12:55 | Hospital pharmacy practice and health system integration |
| Mr André Bonnici, Director of Pharmacy, McGill University Health Centre, Canada | |
| 12:55 – 13:05 | Pharmacist education and workforce development |
| Dr Pierre Moreau, Executive Director, Association of Faculties of Pharmacy of Canada | |
| 13:05 – 13:15 | Pharmacy regulatory frameworks and oversight in Canada |
| Prof. Beverley Zwicker, CEO and Registrar, Nova Scotia Pharmacy Regulator | |
| 13:15 – 13:25 | Provincial innovation in pharmacy practice: The Quebec experience |
| Ms Geneviève Pelletier, Senior Director, Pharmaceutical and External Affairs, Association québécoise des pharmaciens propriétaires, Canada |
| 13:25 – 13:30 | Q&A and closing remarks |
Learning objectives:
By the end of this session, participants will be able to:
1. Describe the structure of Canada’s pharmacy ecosystem and the respective roles of practice, education, regulation and professional organisations.
2. Compare the evolving roles and scopes of practice of pharmacists across community, hospital and provincial healthcare settings.
3. Identify innovations and emerging trends in pharmacy education, workforce development, and models of care across Canada.
4. Assess which elements of the Canadian experience may be relevant to pharmacy practice and professional advancement in their own jurisdictions.
