Chair

Deb Saltmarche

Email: executive@pharmacists.ca

Deb Saltmarche, BSc Hons (Pharm), RPh, ICD.D, was elected Chair of the CPhA Board of Directors in 2026. Deb is a nationally respected pharmacy executive with deep experience in professional affairs, regulatory strategy, risk management, advocacy, operations, and pharmacy technology across the Canadian pharmacy sector. She leads confidently in complex environments where regulatory frameworks, professional standards, business priorities, and diverse stakeholder interests intersect—bringing strategic clarity, disciplined judgment and a commitment to strengthening pharmacy’s role in Canada’s health system.

As an outcome driven leader, Deb mobilizes stakeholders, align competing priorities and advance initiatives that support organizational performance and system level progress.

Since 2011, Deb has served as Senior Director, Professional Affairs (Ontario & National) at Shoppers Drug Mart and Business Privacy Officer for pharmacy, overseeing professional and regulatory affairs, risk management, and pharmacy stakeholder relations. Previous roles include VP Pharmacy & Professional Affairs at the Ontario Pharmacists Association (OPA) and VP Pharmacy at CACDS (now Neighborhood Pharmacies).

Deb is recognized for navigating issues with both professional and business dimensions and anticipating and mitigating risk. She has represented the profession in complex discussions with government and health system leaders, helping shape outcomes that balance differing priorities while reinforcing pharmacy’s role in system level solutions.

Governance focused and ICD.D certified, Deb is a Past Chair of OPA, and Past President and current board director of the Canadian Foundation for Pharmacy (CFP).