Major advocacy win: Pharmacists now eligible for student loan forgiveness

We are thrilled to share that pharmacists are now officially included in the Canada Student Loan Forgiveness program, effective December 31, 2025. This exciting news means that eligible pharmacists who work in designated rural and remote communities can apply for federal loan forgiveness. 

This is a major advocacy milestone that comes as a direct result of years of determined effort by CPhA and CAPSI, supported by pharmacists, students and partners across the country.

We have consistently pushed for this change because we know what rural and remote communities need: stable access to health services and a sustainable workforce. Pharmacists are among the most accessible health providers in these communities and they are essential to closing gaps in care. 

Why this matters

Pharmacy graduates can carry significant student debt, which often influences where new pharmacists choose to practice. Through this program, student loan forgiveness can help make rural and remote practice more financially feasible, especially for early-career pharmacists and new graduates. 

Ultimately, this change will:

• Help recruit and retain pharmacists where they’re needed most
• Strengthen rural and remote health care access
• Support healthier, more resilient communities across Canada 

We encourage pharmacists and students who may be eligible to review the Government of Canada website for eligibility requirements and application process and share this update with colleagues who may benefit.

Thank you to everyone who supported this advocacy work over the years. This is a meaningful step forward for pharmacists and for the rural and remote communities who rely on pharmacists every day.