Canadian Pharmacists Association Expresses Its Support for Bill C-692

June 11, 2015 (Ottawa): The Canadian Pharmacists Association (CPhA) today expressed its support for Bill C-692, a Private Members Bill introduced by John Weston, Member of Parliament for West Vancouver-Sunshine Coast-Sea to Sky Country, that would increase prescription drug safety and formalize a National Prescription Drug Drop-off Day in Canada. 

Among the measures contained in the bill, entitled “The Proper Use of Prescription Drugs Act,” include:

• The convening of a conference with the Minister of Health, in cooperation with representatives of the provincial and territorial governments responsible for public health and safety, health care practitioners, policy planners, stakeholders, including the provincial colleges of physicians and surgeons, the provincial colleges of pharmacists and professional health associations such as medical and pharmacists’ associations, and patients’ groups to develop and implement a comprehensive federal framework to address the proper use of prescription drugs.
• The possible inclusion of pharmacists as recognized health practitioners under the Controlled Drugs and Substances Act, which would provide pharmacists with the ability to better manage controlled substances for patients.
• Formalizing “National Prescription Drug Drop-off Day” on the third Saturday of every March.

“For pharmacists, drug safety is the top priority. Any measures, policies, or programs designed to increase safety are welcome by CPhA; the bill introduced today by John Weston will help to increase drug safety, which is why we are supportive,” stated Perry Eisenschmid, Chief Executive Officer of the Canadian Pharmacists Association. “We encourage all Parliamentarians to support Bill C-692.”

“CPhA’s support is essential to tackle the prescription drug abuse crisis affecting our country. Pharmacists are the primary health care providers for millions of Canadians advancing their health and well-being. They play the primordial role of ensuring the proper use of prescription drugs. Having them behind Bill C-692 sends a strong message—let’s work together to have safe and healthy communities,” added John Weston, MP.

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.

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For more information, please contact:
Jeff Morrison
Director of Government Relations
(613) 523-7877, x386
jmorrison@pharmacists.ca