NEIGHBOURHOOD PHARMACIES

What is the Neighbourhood Pharmacies?

Also known as Neighbourhood Pharmacy Association of Canada

It is a national, not-for-profit trade association that delivers insights and solutions as a

knowledgeable, experienced stakeholder and sought-after thought leader in public health,
primary care, and policy development.

They represent pharmacy organizations with various business models, including chain, banner,
grocery, specialty, long-term care, and mass merchandisers with pharmacies. They leverage the
diverse strength of their members and partners, including the pharmaceutical supply chain and
manufacturers, and work together to improve access to healthcare.

The association represents the delivery of care through close to 11,000 pharmacies, where
pharmacy teams serve as integrated healthcare hubs, creating capacity in local communities
across Canada. Their purpose is to advocate for community pharmacy’s potential to improve
Canadians’ health and contribute as sustainable partners to the shared vision of a robust,
resilient health system.

Mission: “We are solution-focused partners working for a strong and sustainable
pharmacy sector serving the best interests of patients.”

Vision: “Trusted thought leaders in healthcare successfully partnering to shape a

healthier tomorrow.”

Values: Inclusive, Innovative, Accessible, Accountable

When did Neighbourhood Pharmacies started?

October 1999 – The Canadian Association of Chain Drug Stores (CACDS) was formed by
Shoppers Drug Mart, owned by Imasco, Big V Drug Stores, Pharma-Plus, Jean Coutu, Lawtons
Drugs, London Drugs, Pinder’s Drug Stores, Zellers Department Stores.
April 1993 – The CACDS, the National Association of Chain Drug Stores of the United States of
America (NACDS), and the Asociasion Nacional de Distributores de Medicamente of Mexico
(ANADIM), formed a coalition, called the North America Chain Pharmacy Alliance, to create a
free trade zone for the pharmacy industry.

1995 – The CACDS was incorporated.

1999 – The CACDS held its first Chain Drug Store Conference.
June 2000 - The national shortage of pharmacists was addressed by the CACDS, the Association
of Deans of Pharmacy of Canada, and the Canadian Pharmaceuticals Association.

They proposed short term and long-term solutions:

Short term solutions
 Hiring pharmacy students
 Better utilization of technology
 Improving the procedures for dealing with third-party payer issues
 Review of wages.
Long-term solutions
 Changes in provincial and federal regulations that would allow more efficient
utilization of pharmacy professionals
 Increased supply (either from pharmacy schools by increasing number of
students, or fast-tracking the immigration process for foreign pharmacists)
 A review of drug schedules
 An expansion in the role of the technician
 Improving the physical environment, working conditions and hours

2002 – The CACDS set the stage for healthcare debate.

2004 – The CACDS sought to expand the scope of practice for pharmacies.

2006 – The CACDS started working with the CPhA and other pharmacy-related organizations in
developing “Blueprint for Pharmacy”, redefining the role of pharmacists in Canadian healthcare
system. This includes issues regarding, primary health care, medication therapy management,
electronic health records, e-prescribing, pharmacy information networks, Telehealth, and home
care.

June 2014 – SDM departed from CACDS after being acquired by Loblaws, Co.

September 2014 – The CACDS rebranded itself into “The Neighbourhood Pharmacy Association
of Canada”.

October 2016 – SDM, Loblaws Co. rejoined Neighbourhood Pharmacies.

Who are the members and partners of the Neighbourhood Pharmacies now?
Neighbourhood Pharmacies Members and Pharmacy Operator Partners represent Canada's
leading pharmacy organizations that deliver high value, quality care to Canadians in all models
including chain, banner, long-term care, specialty, and independent pharmacies as well as
grocery chains and mass merchandisers with pharmacies. Their members are home to the most
trusted providers of drug therapies, pharmacy-based patient services and innovative healthcare
solutions.
Premium and Regular Associate Partners represent all supply categories and services in the
retail pharmacy industry, including pharmaceuticals, health and wellness products, self-care
medications and other consumer products.
Associate Partners
Alliance for Safe Online
Abbott Laboratories Abbvie Amgen Canada Inc.
Pharmacies (ASOP)

AstraZeneca Canada
Apotex Canada Ascensia Diabetes Care ATS Healthcare
Inc.

AuroPharma Canada BD Biogen Canada Health Infoway

CAPT (Canadian
Canopy Growth embecta, formerly part
Association of Dexcom
Corporation of BD
Pharmacy Technicians)

Fresenius Kabi Canada

GSK (GlaxoSmithKline) Healthing Healthmark Ltd.
Ltd.

Imperial Distributors IQVIA Solutions Canada

Hikma HTL-Strefa
Canada Inc. (IDCI) Inc.

Jamp Pharma Corp. Johnson & Johnson Jones Healthcare Group Juno Pharmaceuticals

Knapp Kohl & Frisch Ltd. Mantra Pharma Merck Canada

NATCO Pharma
Mint Pharmaceuticals Moderna Novavax
(Canada) Inc.

Pear Healthcare
Odan Laboratories OkRx Organon
Solutions

Pharmacy Access
Pfizer Canada Inc. Pharmascience Canada Revol
Solutions Inc.

Sandoz Canada Inc. Sanofi Pasteur Ltd. ScriptPro Canada Ltd. Sterimax Inc.

Tension Packaging &

Sun Life The Pangaea Group Viatris
Automation

Vigilance Santé
Who Represents the Members and Partners of the Neighbourhood
Pharmacies?
Board of Directors
Karl Frank Pharmacy Brands Canada
Managing Director Chris Chiew
Bayshore Specialty Rx Vice President, Pharmacy Chi Quon
and Healthcare, GM, Pharmacies
Chris Dalseg Merchandising Services Save-On-Foods
VP, Strategy and Growth London Drugs Limited
BioScript Pharmacy Ltd. Bev Herczegh
Smita Patil VP Strategy & Business
Judy Roberts Vice President, Retail Development
Managing Director, Member Relations & Sentrex
Pharmacy Professional Affairs
Calgary Co-operative McKesson Canada Jim Johnston
Association Limited VP & GM National Pharmacy
Marie-Claude Vézina Sobeys National Pharmacy
Lawrence Varga SVP and Chief Network Group
AVP, Pharmacy Operations Officer
and Central Fill Metro Inc. Adesh Vora
Costco Wholesale President & CEO
Rita Winn, Board Chair SRx Healthcare Solutions
Joseph Carroll Director
Director, Pharmacy Neighbourly Pharmacy Inc. Kiran Basra
Federated Co-Operatives Senior Director of Pharmacy
Limited Sherif Guorgui Walmart Canada Corp.
Co-CEO
Renée St-Jean OnPharm-United
Senior Director, Pharmacy
Services Jon Johnson
Innomar Strategies Inc. President & CEO

Staff
Sandra Hanna, RPh., LLM, ICD.D
Chief Executive Officer Heather Mohr
Director, Pharmacy Affairs
Courtney Secord
Chief Operating Officer Kaitlin Mooney
Senior Manager, Special Projects
Shelita Dattani, Pharm.D, RPh
Senior Vice President, Pharmacy Affairs and Maxine Cato
Strategic Engagement Administrative Assistant

Debbie Lanktree, CPA, CA

Finance & HR Advisor
How do Neighbourhood Pharmacies make Canadians’ lives easier?
Success Points for Areas of Focus
1. Strategic Collaboration & Partnership

They will leverage the strength of their membership to support and advance their advocacy. By
strategically finding common ground between their members and other stakeholders, they will
amplify and strengthen their advocacy and advance mutual initiatives.

2. Proactive Advocacy

They will work with key stakeholders and decision-makers to influence pharmacy business
decisions. They will advocate for the sustainability and growth of the community pharmacy
sector as a partner in improving healthcare delivery.

3. Outcomes-Focused Thought Leadership

They will focus thought leadership activities around its key pillars and share insights and best
practices on pharmacy-related issues. They will continue to drive value while being nimble, by
delivering on key initiatives to help member organizations grow their business. They will help
identify trends and insights to support evidence-informed advocacy.

4. Viable Sustainability

They will ensure the viability and financial sustainability of the association while maintaining
optimal use of resources.

Issues of Focus
 Routine Immunization  Pharmaceutical Price Compression
 Covid-19 Vaccination  Pharmaceutical Supply and Drug
 Creating Capacity in Primary Care Shortages
 Creating Capacity in Public Health  Pharmacists Scope of Practice
 Medical Cannabis  Medication Access and Delivery of
 National Pharmacare Care
 Specialty Pharmacy Services
What else do Neighbourhood Pharmacies Do?
 Neighbourhood Pharmacies Gazette - the official free-for-all quarterly virtual
subscription publication of the association, outlining big updates, recent progress, and
current stand of the association regarding various pharmacy-related topics and issues.
 Neighbourhood Pharmacies Events
o Specialty Pharmacy Summit – an annual event about the specialty pharmacy
practice and services, the specialty pharmaceutical market, and health policy
impacts on service delivery.
o Pharmacy Expo – an annual event that offers rewarding opportunities to connect
with colleagues and innovative ways to approach the current policy and political
context.
 Neighbourhood Pharmacies Awards
o Lens Marks Pharmacy Advancement Award - This award recognizes an individual
or team whose passion for the advancement of pharmacy helps lead change in
the areas of education, pharmacy practice, advocacy, and collaboration. 2022
awardee is Dr. Jake Thiessen
o Distinguished Associate of the Year Award - This award honours a
Neighbourhood Pharmacies Associate in good standing, who displays
extraordinary commitment to the association’s initiatives and/or committees,
while helping advance community pharmacy. 2022 awardee is Jason Frame, Vice
President, National Sales at Jamp Pharma Corp.

How to be a Member or Partner of the Neighbourhood Pharmacies?

They welcome Members and Partners who are ready to join in shaping the future of pharmacy
in Canada.

Email: info@neighbourhoodpharmacies.ca

Phone: 416 226 9100

Twitter: pharmacy_CAN

LinkedIn: Neighbourhood Pharmacy Association of Canada

References
About Us. Neighbourhood Pharmacies. Accessed December 7, 2023.
https://neighbourhoodpharmacies.ca/about-us.
Board of directors. Neighbourhood Pharmacies. Accessed December 7, 2023.
https://neighbourhoodpharmacies.ca/board-directors.
Focus Issues. Neighbourhood Pharmacies. Accessed December 7, 2023.
https://neighbourhoodpharmacies.ca/focus-issues.
Free Library, The. Accessed December 7, 2023. https://www.thefreelibrary.com/_/search/Search.aspx?
SearchBy=0&q=Canadian%2BAssociation%2Bof%2BChain%2BDrug%2BStores&Search=Search&By=3.
Member & partner prospectus. Neighbourhood Pharmacies. Accessed December 7, 2023.
https://neighbourhoodpharmacies.ca/member-partner-prospectus-0.
Neighbourhood pharmacies expo. Neighbourhood Pharmacies. Accessed December 7, 2023.
https://neighbourhoodpharmacies.ca/neighbourhood-pharmacies-expo.
Our Members & Pharmacy Operator Partners. Neighbourhood Pharmacies. Accessed December 7, 2023.
https://neighbourhoodpharmacies.ca/our-members-pharmacy-operator-partners.
Our partners. Neighbourhood Pharmacies. Accessed December 7, 2023.
https://neighbourhoodpharmacies.ca/our-partners.
Research and publications. Neighbourhood Pharmacies. Accessed December 7, 2023.
https://neighbourhoodpharmacies.ca/research-and-publications.
Specialty Pharmacy Summit. Neighbourhood Pharmacies. Accessed December 7, 2023.
https://neighbourhoodpharmacies.ca/specialty-pharmacy-summit-0.
Staff. Neighbourhood Pharmacies. Accessed December 7, 2023.
https://neighbourhoodpharmacies.ca/staff.