CPhA condemns violence against pharmacists and high rates of abuse and harassment of health workers

September 6, 2022 (Ottawa): The Canadian Pharmacists Association (CPhA) is deeply concerned about reports of a recent physical assault of a pharmacist in Kitchener, Ontario. We strongly condemn any violence, abuse or harassment targeting health workers and stand with Canada’s pharmacy professionals and other health workers across the country.

“Violence against health-care workers cannot be tolerated,” said Dr. Danielle Paes, Chief Pharmacist Officer. “Pharmacy professionals and our health-care colleagues have dedicated so much to protect our communities, and we need to protect them too. No pharmacist should live in fear of violence for caring for their patients.”

Unfortunately, the abuse and harassment of our health-care workers is a frequent occurrence. According to a recent Abacus Data survey commissioned by CPhA, 48% of working pharmacy professionals experience abuse or harassment at least weekly, and almost a quarter experience it daily. Abuse and harassment are major contributors to the growing mental health challenges and high rates of burnout pharmacy professionals are experiencing.

“The pandemic has taken a significant toll on our pharmacy teams and the high rates of abuse and harassment they experience are disturbing and unacceptable,” added Paes. “This is a significant concern shared across the health-care system.”

The Canadian Pharmacists Association is extremely proud of the work and dedication of Canada’s pharmacy teams during the pandemic. They have delivered more than 17 million COVID-19 vaccines and remained open and accessible to support their patients and communities.

About the Canadian Pharmacists Association

The Canadian Pharmacists Association (CPhA) is the uniting national voice of pharmacy and the pharmacist profession in Canada. As pharmacists undertake an enhanced role in the delivery of health care services, CPhA ensures that the profession is recognized as a national leader in health care, influencing the policies, programs, budgets and initiatives affecting the profession and the health of Canadians. 

For more information, please contact:

Tyler Gogo
Senior Manager, Communications 
Canadian Pharmacists Association
tgogo@pharmacists.ca   
613-293-7223