Pharmacists are the drug information experts of the health care team. Given the increasing numbers of medications, our aging population and the growing cost of pharmaceuticals, pharmacists are key to ensuring safe, cost-effective drug therapy for Canadians.

Canada has approximately 31,000 licensed pharmacists. Approximately 22,000 work in 8,400 community pharmacies and 4,500 work in hospitals. Pharmacists also work in the pharmaceutical industry, governments, colleges and universities and associations.

The Canadian Pharmacists Association is the national voluntary organization that represents the interests of pharmacists in Canada. CPhA works hard to ensure pharmacists are assuming the fullest role possible in the health care system, with the goal of better drug safety and cost savings, to both patients and the system.

CPhA, in collaboration with seven other national pharmacy organizations, has completed Moving Forward: Pharmacy Human Resources for the Future. This initiative was an in-depth examination of the factors contributing to pharmacy human resources challenges in Canada. Its recommendations will help ensure a strong pharmacy workforce prepared to meet the future health care needs of Canadians. Research focused on three key streams: the advancement of the role of pharmacy technicians, the integration of international pharmacy graduates and the pharmacy workforce of the future. Moving Forward’s technical reports are available at www.pharmacyhr.ca. The final report of the HR planning recommendations will be available in summer 2008.

This section of our website also provides information on careers in pharmacy and becoming a pharmacist in Canada, licensing requirements and a directory of contacts for national and provincial pharmacy organizations.

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English PDF
Role of the Pharmacist (April 2008)
Expanding the Role of the Pharmacist (April 2008)
CPhA's submission to the Commission on the Future of Health Care in Canada (October 2001)