Latest news with #NeighbourhoodPharmacies
Cision Canada
05-08-2025
- Business
- Cision Canada
Neighbourhood Pharmacies Appoints Renée St-Jean as Vice-Chair of the Board
TORONTO, Aug. 5, 2025 /CNW/ - The Neighbourhood Pharmacy Association of Canada (Neighbourhood Pharmacies) is pleased to announce the appointment of Renée St-Jean, Senior Director of Pharmacy Services at Innomar Strategies Inc. (Cencora), as the new Vice-Chair of its Board of Directors. Renée is a pharmacist with more than 25 years of leadership experience spanning clinical practice, regulatory affairs, and pharmacy operations. She currently oversees national specialty pharmacy services at Innomar Strategies Inc. (Cencora), bringing a deep understanding of healthcare delivery and the business of pharmacy. Renée has been actively engaged with Neighbourhood Pharmacies for several years, bringing trusted leadership and valuable perspective to the Board and key committees. Her deep sector experience and collaborative approach will continue to help shape the Association's direction and drive progress on its strategic priorities. "Renée brings both vision and depth of experience to this role," said Marie-Claude Vézina, Chair of the Board. "Her inclusive leadership style, innovative thinking, and clear commitment to advancing the pharmacy sector are exactly what's needed at this pivotal time. Renée's ability to connect policy, practice, and strategy makes her an essential partner in realizing our vision for a thriving pharmacy sector." Her appointment comes as the Association advances its 2025–2029 strategic plan, Prescription for Success —a bold roadmap focused on integrating innovative pharmacy models into healthcare, expanding access to care, and driving sustainable success for pharmacy businesses. "I'm honoured to take on this role at such a transformative moment for pharmacy in Canada," said St-Jean. "Neighbourhood Pharmacies is shaping the future of the pharmacy sector, and I look forward to helping guide our work in advocacy, innovation, and long-term growth with a view of helping the lives of Canadians." "Renée's strategic mindset, collaborative approach, and passion for pharmacy make her an invaluable leader at the Board table," added Sandra Hanna, CEO of Neighbourhood Pharmacies. "Her long-standing commitment to the Association and her ability to lead through change will help drive forward our bold agenda for innovation, system integration, and sector growth. She exemplifies the kind of leadership we need as we move forward in building a thriving, sustainable future for pharmacy in Canada." For more information about Neighbourhood Pharmacies and our strategic plan, visit Neighbourhood Pharmacies represents Canada's leading pharmacy organizations, including chain, banner, long-term care, specialty pharmacies, grocery chains, and mass merchandisers with pharmacies. We advocate for pharmacies' role in caring for Canadians, both behind and in front of the counter. We aim to advance sustainable healthcare for all stakeholders by leveraging over 12,000 pharmacies conveniently located in virtually every community throughout the country. Pharmacies are integral points of patient care.
Cision Canada
15-05-2025
- Health
- Cision Canada
Neighbourhood Pharmacies Celebrates 30 Years of Leadership in Pharmacy: Shaping the Way Forward Français
OTTAWA, ON, May 15, 2025 /CNW/ - A national voice with a bold vision, the Neighbourhood Pharmacy Association of Canada (Neighbourhood Pharmacies) proudly marks 30 years of driving growth, advancing pharmacy as a cornerstone of healthcare, and advocating for accessible, community-based care. Founded in 1995 as the Canadian Association of Chain Drug Stores (CACDS), the Association has evolved into a leading national voice—championing pharmacies as trusted healthcare hubs in every community. From the outset, the Association was created to give pharmacy a strong, unified voice in a changing healthcare landscape. While its origins focused on chain pharmacies, the vision has since broadened to champion all models of community pharmacy as essential partners in care, supporting population health across Canada. Over the past three decades, Neighbourhood Pharmacies has been a catalyst for advancing pharmacy's role in Canada's healthcare system—expanding scope of practice, enhancing medication access, and strengthening sector sustainability. Key milestones have propelled this progress, including the release of the State of the Industry Report (2006); advocacy to protect frontline care in Ontario (2010); the launch of 9,000 Points of Care: Improving Access to Affordable Healthcare (2013); the publication of Pharmacy 360 (2016), which provided insight into the pharmacy business environment; and coordinated national efforts during COVID-19 (2020–2021), including pharmacy's critical role in delivering routine immunizations. In 2022, we released a landmark report on the value of specialty pharmacy services, and today, we continue to lead national dialogue on key issues such as National Pharmacare. These milestones reflect how our Association has evolved from representing chain drugstores to uniting the full spectrum of community pharmacy stakeholders. Today, we are the national voice convening leaders across the sector to address the most pressing issues facing healthcare—driving meaningful change that supports a thriving, sustainable pharmacy sector and better health outcomes for Canadians. As we marked this milestone, we honoured the Members and Partners whose long-standing support was essential to our growth. With heartfelt appreciation, we presented the Heart of Pharmacy Award to those whose 20+ years of commitment embodied the spirit, resilience, and leadership at the core of Canadian pharmacy. Recipients included: Amgen, Apotex, AstraZeneca, BD, London Drugs Limited, McKesson Canada, Neighbourly Pharmacy Inc., Pfizer, Pharmascience, Rexall, Save-On-Foods, Sobeys National Pharmacy Group, and Viatris. We were equally honoured to present the Pharmacy Leaders Award to the heart and soul of our community—the Members and Partners whose loyalty and passion fueled our journey for 15+ years and whose dedication never wavered. This award was presented to: Calgary Co-Operative Association Limited, Costco Wholesale Canada, JAMP Pharma Group, Mint Pharmaceuticals Inc., and Sandoz. "Looking back, our progress over the past thirty years is a testament to the strength of collaboration," said Sandra Hanna, CEO of Neighbourhood Pharmacies. "We've evolved alongside the healthcare system—and helped shape it. As we look ahead, our new strategic plan, Prescription for Success, is our guide to fully integrating pharmacy into primary care. The future is here, and we're ready to help pharmacy play an even greater role in supporting the health of Canadians." "Our history is proof of what we can achieve when we work together with purpose and vision," said Marie-Claude Vézina, Chair of the Board. "As we look ahead, we're embracing bold, innovative approaches to ensure community pharmacies continue to thrive and lead in a rapidly evolving healthcare landscape. This anniversary is more than a celebration—it's a launchpad for the future, guided by our Strategic Plan and our unwavering commitment to improving health outcomes through pharmacy." Our newly released Strategic Plan, Prescription for Success 2025–2029, builds on three decades of progress with a bold roadmap for what comes next. It reaffirms our commitment to evolving pharmacy business models and ensuring community pharmacies remain central to Canada's healthcare system. Rooted in the strength of our past and powered by the trust of our Members and Partners, we're ready to step confidently into the next era of pharmacy. About the Neighbourhood Pharmacy Association of Canada Neighbourhood Pharmacies represents Canada's leading pharmacy organizations, including chain, banner, long-term care, specialty pharmacies, grocery chains, and mass merchandisers with pharmacies. We advocate for pharmacies' role in caring for Canadians, both behind and in front of the counter. We aim to advance sustainable healthcare for all stakeholders by leveraging over 12,000 pharmacies conveniently located in virtually every community throughout the country. Pharmacies are integral points of patient care. Visit to learn how the Association is driving a strong, resilient future for community pharmacy through its Prescription for Success strategic plan, and subscribe for free to the Neighbourhood Pharmacy Gazette, the Association's quarterly thought-leadership publication focused on insights, advocacy and healthier Canadians.
Yahoo
15-05-2025
- Health
- Yahoo
Neighbourhood Pharmacies Celebrates 30 Years of Leadership in Pharmacy: Shaping the Way Forward
OTTAWA, ON, May 15, 2025 /CNW/ - A national voice with a bold vision, the Neighbourhood Pharmacy Association of Canada (Neighbourhood Pharmacies) proudly marks 30 years of driving growth, advancing pharmacy as a cornerstone of healthcare, and advocating for accessible, community-based care. Founded in 1995 as the Canadian Association of Chain Drug Stores (CACDS), the Association has evolved into a leading national voice—championing pharmacies as trusted healthcare hubs in every community. From the outset, the Association was created to give pharmacy a strong, unified voice in a changing healthcare landscape. While its origins focused on chain pharmacies, the vision has since broadened to champion all models of community pharmacy as essential partners in care, supporting population health across Canada. Over the past three decades, Neighbourhood Pharmacies has been a catalyst for advancing pharmacy's role in Canada's healthcare system—expanding scope of practice, enhancing medication access, and strengthening sector sustainability. Key milestones have propelled this progress, including the release of the State of the Industry Report (2006); advocacy to protect frontline care in Ontario (2010); the launch of 9,000 Points of Care: Improving Access to Affordable Healthcare (2013); the publication of Pharmacy 360 (2016), which provided insight into the pharmacy business environment; and coordinated national efforts during COVID-19 (2020–2021), including pharmacy's critical role in delivering routine immunizations. In 2022, we released a landmark report on the value of specialty pharmacy services, and today, we continue to lead national dialogue on key issues such as National Pharmacare. These milestones reflect how our Association has evolved from representing chain drugstores to uniting the full spectrum of community pharmacy stakeholders. Today, we are the national voice convening leaders across the sector to address the most pressing issues facing healthcare—driving meaningful change that supports a thriving, sustainable pharmacy sector and better health outcomes for Canadians. As we marked this milestone, we honoured the Members and Partners whose long-standing support was essential to our growth. With heartfelt appreciation, we presented the Heart of Pharmacy Award to those whose 20+ years of commitment embodied the spirit, resilience, and leadership at the core of Canadian pharmacy. Recipients included: Amgen, Apotex, AstraZeneca, BD, London Drugs Limited, McKesson Canada, Neighbourly Pharmacy Inc., Pfizer, Pharmascience, Rexall, Save-On-Foods, Sobeys National Pharmacy Group, and Viatris. We were equally honoured to present the Pharmacy Leaders Award to the heart and soul of our community—the Members and Partners whose loyalty and passion fueled our journey for 15+ years and whose dedication never wavered. This award was presented to: Calgary Co-Operative Association Limited, Costco Wholesale Canada, JAMP Pharma Group, Mint Pharmaceuticals Inc., and Sandoz. "Looking back, our progress over the past thirty years is a testament to the strength of collaboration," said Sandra Hanna, CEO of Neighbourhood Pharmacies. "We've evolved alongside the healthcare system—and helped shape it. As we look ahead, our new strategic plan, Prescription for Success, is our guide to fully integrating pharmacy into primary care. The future is here, and we're ready to help pharmacy play an even greater role in supporting the health of Canadians." "Our history is proof of what we can achieve when we work together with purpose and vision," said Marie-Claude Vézina, Chair of the Board. "As we look ahead, we're embracing bold, innovative approaches to ensure community pharmacies continue to thrive and lead in a rapidly evolving healthcare landscape. This anniversary is more than a celebration—it's a launchpad for the future, guided by our Strategic Plan and our unwavering commitment to improving health outcomes through pharmacy." Our newly released Strategic Plan, Prescription for Success 2025–2029, builds on three decades of progress with a bold roadmap for what comes next. It reaffirms our commitment to evolving pharmacy business models and ensuring community pharmacies remain central to Canada's healthcare system. Rooted in the strength of our past and powered by the trust of our Members and Partners, we're ready to step confidently into the next era of pharmacy. About the Neighbourhood Pharmacy Association of Canada Neighbourhood Pharmacies represents Canada's leading pharmacy organizations, including chain, banner, long-term care, specialty pharmacies, grocery chains, and mass merchandisers with pharmacies. We advocate for pharmacies' role in caring for Canadians, both behind and in front of the counter. We aim to advance sustainable healthcare for all stakeholders by leveraging over 12,000 pharmacies conveniently located in virtually every community throughout the country. Pharmacies are integral points of patient care. Visit to learn how the Association is driving a strong, resilient future for community pharmacy through its Prescription for Success strategic plan, and subscribe for free to the Neighbourhood Pharmacy Gazette, the Association's quarterly thought-leadership publication focused on insights, advocacy and healthier Canadians. Related SOURCE Neighbourhood Pharmacy Association of Canada View original content to download multimedia: Sign in to access your portfolio
Cision Canada
14-05-2025
- Business
- Cision Canada
Seizing the Moment: Pharmacy Leaders Mobilize at EXPO 2025 for Critical Policy Roundtable Amid Shifting Political Landscape Français
OTTAWA, ON, May 14, 2025 /CNW/ - As Canada's new federal government sets an ambitious policy agenda, pharmacy leaders from across the country convened today at the Neighbourhood Pharmacy Association of Canada's (Neighbourhood Pharmacies) annual Pharmacy EXPO. A two-hour roundtable, hosted at the event, focused on the critical role pharmacies can play in building a stronger and more resilient healthcare system. The roundtable came just weeks after Prime Minister Mark Carney committed to healthcare as a national priority, signaling plans to improve interprovincial workforce mobility, and remove barriers to care. In response, participants expressed strong support for this direction, emphasizing their commitment to partnering with government to drive meaningful change. The Prime Minister's vision for a more integrated Canadian economy underscores the pharmacy sector's critical role at the intersection of healthcare access, labour mobility, and health equity, reinforcing its position as a frontline health hub and vital economic driver. Led by Shelita Dattani, Senior Vice President of Pharmacy Affairs and Stakeholder Relations at Neighbourhood Pharmacies and Katie Heelis, Senior Vice President and EnterpriseHealth Lead at Enterprise Canada, the roundtable addressed pressing challenges facing the sector, including: Securing Canada's drug supply – Addressing international trade pressures and pharmaceutical tariffs Expanding pharmacy's role in primary care – Increasing patient access to frontline primary care through pharmacies Sustainable funding models – Ensuring fair compensation that reflects the full scope of pharmacy services Labour mobility and workforce flexibility – Removing interprovincial barriers to practice and fostering innovation Breakout discussions reinforced the sector's openness to collaborate with government in addressing shared challenges and co-creating solutions. Conversations also focused on the need for a clear mandate to prioritize equitable medication access, build stronger partnerships with federal health policymakers, and ensure a commitment to sustainable healthcare innovation. "The time to act is now," said Shelita Dattani. "Pharmacy is ready to be a full partner in advancing patient access to care, protecting the integrity of Canada's drug supply, and driving meaningful healthcare innovation. The sector stands united, solutions-focused, and deeply aligned with the needs of Canadians." We are now calling on the federal government to act with urgency—to align policy and funding with today's healthcare realities and to recognize pharmacy as a key enabler of system resilience. That means investing in sustainable pharmacy care models, removing interprovincial barriers to practice, and ensuring that patients can count on timely access to essential medications and services—regardless of where they live. About the Neighbourhood Pharmacy Association of Canada Neighbourhood Pharmacies represents Canada's leading pharmacy organizations, including chain, banner, long-term care, specialty pharmacies, grocery chains, and mass merchandisers with pharmacies. We advocate for pharmacies' role in caring for Canadians, both behind and in front of the counter. We aim to advance sustainable healthcare for all stakeholders by leveraging over 12,000 pharmacies conveniently located in virtually every community throughout the country. Pharmacies are integral points of patient care. Visit to learn how the Association is driving a strong, resilient future for community pharmacy through its Prescription for Success strategic plan, and subscribe for free to the Neighbourhood Pharmacy Gazette, the Association's quarterly thought-leadership publication focused on insights, advocacy and healthier Canadians.
