Neighbourhood Pharmacies has submitted a letter to all federal, provincial, and territorial Health Ministers in advance of the upcoming Health Ministers’ Meeting.
Our letter highlights key recommendations from the pharmacy sector that align with federal and provincial priorities to strengthen Canada’s health system. Our message emphasizes how pharmacies can help improve access to care, support health workforce capacity, and remove red tape barriers preventing system efficiencies. Recommendations include:
- Strengthening the Pharmacy Workforce: Supporting retention, streamlining credential recognition, and enabling pharmacy professionals to work to their full scope.
- Safeguarding Access to Critical Medications: Reducing supply chain vulnerabilities and empowering pharmacists to provide continuity of care during drug shortages.
- Enabling Pharmacies to Thrive: Reducing regulatory red tape, ensuring sustainable funding, and re-evaluating national pharmacare.
- Enhancing Access to Primary Care: Recognizing pharmacies as essential health access points, particularly in immunization, chronic disease management, and public health initiatives.
These recommendations align closely with the federal and provincial governments’ shared goals of improving access, equity, and sustainability in health care.
Neighbourhood Pharmacies and its members remain committed to working collaboratively with governments to ensure Canadians can access high-quality, community-based care when and where they need it.