In July 2021, Neighbourhood Pharmacies led discussions with the Federal Government to establish a rapid antigen test distribution program for SMEs. With the aim of promoting economic recovery and community health, we played an instrumental role in implementing this federal program to support small to medium sized businesses in the distribution of rapid antigen test kits in Ontario, Alberta, Manitoba, British Columbia and Saskatchewan. We continue to support the involvement of the pharmacy sector in the pandemic response through accessible and equitable care and are pleased to announce that Health Canada has confirmed that it will continue to provide tests to pharmacy distributors via this program until September 30 2022, allowing rapid test distribution by pharmacies to SMEs to continue for the following months. Availability of tests for SMEs is expected to last until late 2022. Health Canada has provided the attached Key Messages re Rapid Testing for Businesses Via Pharmacies that pharmacies may wish to share to communicate the value of the program.
Pharmacies that are interested in participating in distributing rapid test kits can still register with the Government of Canada. For more information and resources, please see the links below.