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The Canadian Pharmacists Association is the national organization that represents the interests of pharmacists. Its primary objective is to position pharmacists in their appropriate leadership role in Canada's health care system.
As the representative organization of pharmacists in Canada, the CPhA is asked many questions by, and about, pharmacists. These questions include everything from how to get licensed to work as a pharmacist in Canada to what is the CPhA's position on a wide variety of issues and topics. Look below for answers to your question(s) about pharmacists in Canada:
- Where can I go if I have a specific drug or health-related question?
- Thinking about becoming a pharmacist?
- Where do I go for information about Canadian Schools of Pharmacy?
- How do I become a member of the Canadian Pharmacists Association?
- How do I get licensed to practice as a pharmacist in Canada?
- Where can I buy the CPS?
- Where can I go if I feel I have a complaint about a pharmacist?
- Can Americans have their prescriptions filled by Canadian pharmacists?
- What is the CPhA's position on Direct-to-Consumer Advertising?
- What is the CPhA's position on Internet pharmacy?
- What is the CPhA's position on getting a flu shot?
- What is the CPhA's position on herbal and natural health products (NHPs)?
- What is the CPhA's position on breastfeeding?
- What is the CPhA's position on antibiotic use?
- What is the CPhA's position on a national Pharmacare program?
- What is the CPhA's position on a national drug purchasing agency for Canada?
- What is the CPhA's position on the state of health care in Canada?
- What is the CPhA doing about the pharmacist shortage in Canada?
Answers and Links
1. Where can I go if I have a specific drug or health-related question?
The Canadian Pharmacists Association does not provide advice or comment on individual drug or health-related questions. We recommend that you contact your pharmacist. If you always go to one pharmacy, as we recommend, your pharmacist will be familiar with your medication and health history and can provide you with information and advice that is tailored to your personal health care needs.
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2. Thinking about becoming a pharmacist?
The Canadian Pharmacists Association is happy to provide you with some basic information on becoming a pharmacist and about Canadian Schools of Pharmacy. If you have more questions, consider writing to the school of pharmacy you are interested in attending, or speak with your own pharmacist.
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3. Where do I go for information about Canadian Schools of Pharmacy?
There are faculties of pharmacy at nine Canadian Universities. You can contact the school of your choice directly.
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4. How do I become a member of the Canadian Pharmacists Association?
The Canadian Pharmacists Association represents the interests of pharmacists in all practice settings, and there has never been a more important time for all pharmacists to be a member of CPhA.
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5. How do I get licensed to practice as a pharmacist in Canada?
Pharmacy is regulated by provincial governments. There are a number of steps you must go through to practice as a pharmacist in Canada.
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6. Where can I buy the CPS?
The Canadian Pharmacists Association publishes the most up-to-date drug information available in the Compendium of Pharmaceuticals and Specialties. The CPS is published annually and regular updates appear on this site, as they occur. It is important to have the most current CPS on hand, since new pharmaceuticals come on the market frequently. Stay current. Buy the CPS. Visit updates online
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7. Where can I go if I feel I have a complaint about a pharmacist?
The Canadian Pharmacists Association is not the disciplinary body for pharmacists in Canada. Each province has a licensing authority for practising pharmacists. If you wish to file a complaint against a pharmacist, the college in the province in which the pharmacist is practising can assist you.
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8. Can Americans have their prescriptions filled by Canadian pharmacists?
Canadian pharmacists can only fill prescriptions that have been written by a professional licensed to prescribe in Canada. Therefore, prescriptions written by American doctors cannot be filled legally by Canadian pharmacists. Most importantly, it is extremely important to always go to one pharmacy so your pharmacist is aware of all medications you are taking - prescription, over-the-counter and herbal - and your overall health. This is the best way to ensure the best outcome from any and all medications you may take.
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9. What is the CPhA's position on Direct to Consumer Advertising (DTCA)?
Visit the CPhA's position on DTCA.
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10. What is the CPhA's position on Internet pharmacy?
Visit the CPhA's position on internet pharmacy and consumer information about looking for health answers online. For more information, talk to your pharmacist.
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11. What is the CPhA's position on getting a flu shot?
The CPhA is part of a national coalition of health care associations that promotes getting an annual flu shot. For more information, talk to your pharmacist.
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12. What is the CPhA's position on herbal and natural health products (NHPs)?
The CPhA recommends you always speak with your pharmacist before taking medications - including herbal and natural health products. The CPhA is co-publisher of Herbs: an Everyday Reference for Health Professionals and patient leaflet: Thinking about Herbals and Natural Health Products? Talk To Your Pharmacist . For more information, talk to your pharmacist.
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13. What is the CPhA's position on breastfeeding?
The CPhA believes that breast milk is the best possible infant nutrition and supports activities that encourage the establishment and sustenance of breastfeeding. Visit the CPhA's full position statement about breastfeeding and infant nutrition. For more information, talk to your pharmacist.
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14. What is the CPhA's position on antibiotic use?
The CPhA is part of a national coalition of health care associations that promotes the wise use of antibiotics. For more information, talk to your pharmacist.
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15. What is CPhA's position on a national Pharmacare program?
The CPhA believes a universal national Pharmacare program with national standards applied across the board would make the most sense from a health care delivery and cost perspective. Visit CPhA's full position statement about Pharmacare
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16. What is CPhA's position on a national drug purchasing agency for Canada?
The CPhA urges caution in establishing a national drug purchasing agency for Canada because we wonder what impact bulk buying of medication might have on the continuity of care. Patients become stabilized on products and should not be subject to change based strictly on a better contract price. Jeopardizing a person's ability to comply and take their medication properly makes no sense if they end up in hospital.
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17. What is CPhA's position on the state of health care in Canada?
The CPhA has long advocated an expanded role for pharmacists and never has action in this regard been more needed. As the most accessible health care provider, with specialized expertise in drug therapy, an expanded role for pharmacists would bring about better health care for Canadians.
The CPhA has prepared a detailed overview of the role pharmacists could take in a more effective and efficient health care system in Canada, as well as outlining the benefits to be gained.
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18. What is CPhA doing about the pharmacist shortage in Canada?
The CPhA is working with Human Resources Development Canada on a full sectoral study to provide an independent analysis of the pharmacist shortage and its causes. Once this is completed, solutions can be put forth that will address the reality of the situation. Visit the CPhA-HRDC study.
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