Faire entendre votre voix, nouer des liens et créer le changement
Mai 2025
(Version française à venir.)
After four incredibly rewarding years with the Canadian Pharmacists Association (CPhA), the time has come for me to embark on a new chapter in my career.
As I reflect on my time here, I’m filled with immense gratitude. I’ve learned so much, from our board and leadership, from the incredible team at CPhA, and most of all, from you, this remarkable pharmacy community. It has truly been an honour to walk alongside you.
When I first stepped into this role, I shared a vision for what it would take to secure a bright future for our profession—a future rooted in our professional unity and one that embraces and celebrates our diversity. My goal to actively engage and collaborate with individuals, teams and organizations across the pharmacy sector was realized and we are better for it.
Together, we’ve navigated transformative change. In times of crisis and in moments of high pressure, pharmacists across the country have demonstrated incredible solidarity, proving that we are strongest when we move forward together. The past few years have been nothing short of extraordinary for our profession, a period marked by resilience, innovation and a renewed commitment to patient care. I continue to be inspired by the adaptability and determination of pharmacists across the country, and I have no doubt that this momentum will only grow stronger in the years ahead.
During my time at CPhA, I’ve come to appreciate that advocacy isn’t just about policies or platforms—it’s deeply personal. It’s about tapping into your values, speaking up for what matters and showing up, over and over again. As I take the next steps in my own personal journey, I’d like to leave you with a few insights that I’ve used to guide me in this role, and I hope they will help you as you develop in your role as an advocate.
Use your voice
Your voice is your strongest tool. Whether used independently or amplified by a collective, speaking up has the power to spotlight critical issues and ignite the conversations that lead to meaningful change. Recognizing your agency—and the responsibility that comes with it—is half the battle.
Effective advocacy begins with crafting a strong, clear and compelling message. It means identifying the problem, proposing a solution and building a narrative rooted in evidence and empathy. When your message resonates, it moves people. It sparks curiosity, connection, and action.
As Chief Pharmacist Officer, I was invited to use my voice in so many ways. Each opportunity—from blog posts and social media to keynote presentations, boardroom discussions, media interviews and national meetings—challenged me to communicate in a way that truly connected with my audience. Whether testifying at the House of Commons, responding to questions in the Senate or speaking to pharmacists one on one, I always did my best to show up with courage, conviction and a deep commitment to ensuring the pharmacist voice was heard.
Find your people
The most rewarding part of this journey has been meeting and connecting with pharmacy professionals across Canada—in every province, in every practice setting and at every stage of their careers. I’ve been inspired by the fierce, smart, compassionate and dedicated pharmacists and pharmacy technicians I’ve encountered. They reaffirmed what I already believed: we are everywhere, and we care deeply.
There are agents of change among us—people who are just as passionate, just as driven, just as committed to making our profession stronger. I can’t overstate the power of finding your people. Surrounding yourself with those who share your values and vision can amplify your impact and keep you grounded in your “why.”
So, my advice? Join your regional and provincial associations. Engage with colleagues in your community. The power of connection and collaboration is unmatched. A strong, supportive network of pharmacy professionals will empower you to grow, lead and thrive.
Be a disruptor
If there’s one thing I know for sure, it’s that disruption is uncomfortable. It’s not easy to challenge the status quo or introduce an idea that goes against the grain. But it’s necessary.
Disruption paves the way for innovation, and innovation is essential to both our progress and our survival. We need brave leaders in pharmacy. We need those who are willing to ask hard questions, push boundaries and take bold action.
One of the most meaningful examples of what it means to be a disruptor was my work on our national workforce wellness initiative. It gave me the opportunity to challenge long-standing norms and bring attention to an issue that had too often been overlooked. Addressing the well-being of pharmacy professionals required uncomfortable conversations and bold thinking—but it also allowed me to collaborate with others who shared a deep commitment to changing the status quo and creating a healthier, more sustainable future for our profession. While this is an ongoing journey, I can say with confidence that we’ve made tremendous progress in building towards our vision.
To truly advance our profession and address some of health care’s most complex problems, we need change-makers, creative thinkers and problem-solvers.
So, use your voice. Find your people. Be a disruptor.
Because the future of pharmacy depends on it.
Thank you for placing your trust in me, for the shared vision we’ve pursued and for your dedication to advancing pharmacy in Canada. I value the friendships we’ve built, the meaningful conversations we’ve shared and the support we’ve offered one another through both triumphs and challenges. I’m truly proud of all we’ve accomplished together during my time as CPO, and I will cherish the experience forever.
I’ll be with CPhA until the end of May and would love to stay in touch. While I may be stepping away from this role, I’m not going far. I look forward to continuing to support the pharmacy community in new and meaningful ways—more on that soon!
With gratitude and my best wishes,
