I’m not a registered pharmacist in BC. Can I own a pharmacy?

I’m not a registered pharmacist in BC. Can I own a pharmacy?

Yes, non-pharmacists may have ownership of a pharmacy. However, the majority of directors of the Direct Owner must be pharmacists registered in BC. In order to meet the majority requirement, more than 50% of the directors must be pharmacists (regardless of who has the majority of shares within the corporation).

Note: All Direct Owners and Indirect Owners must also comply with the eligibility criteria outlined in the Pharmacy Operations and Drug Scheduling Act. One of the criteria to hold a pharmacy licence is that “a person authorized by an enactment to prescribe drugs must not be a Direct Owner or an Indirect Owner.”

For further information on pharmacy ownership, refer to the Pharmacy Licensure Guide.