As of August 7, 2025, amendments to the Health Professions Act (HPA) Bylaws are in effect, extending the terms of elected CPBC Board members from odd-numbered electoral districts by one year.
I hope everyone is having a good summer so far. As we move through 2025, there are two important developments I want to share with you that will shape pharmacy practice in BC for the foreseeable future.
CPBC is launching CIRCL (Continuous Improvement, Reporting, Collaborating, and Learning), a comprehensive medication incident reporting program designed to enhance medication safety through structured reporting, analysis, and learning from medication incidents in pharmacies across British Columbia.
CPBC's 2024/2025 annual report and audited financial statements are now available.
This year’s report highlights meaningful progress in strengthening pharmacy regulation and upholding our commitment to public protection.
On July 17, 2025, the Province announced that tirzepatide and dulaglutide, more commonly referred to by their brand names Mounjaro and Trulicity, will now be included in the "Limits on Sale" regulation under the Pharmacy Operations and Drug Scheduling Act (PODSA) to preserve supply of these diabetes drugs in British Columbia.
The Ministry of Health has confirmed that the Health Professions Act (HPA) will be repealed on April 1, 2026 and replaced by the Health Professions and Occupations Act (HPOA).
There has been a significant increase in measles cases across multiple health authorities in British Columbia. The risk of contracting measles and having severe complications is particularly high among unvaccinated populations.
The College of Pharmacists of British Columbia (CPBC) is seeking your feedback on proposed amendments to the Health Professions Act (HPA) Bylaws.
The proposed amendments are open for public comment for a 14-day period closing on July 17, 2025.
After June 30, 2025, CPBC will not accept any new applications for registration as a temporary pharmacist, temporary limited pharmacist, temporary student pharmacist, or temporary pharmacy technician.
CPBC is sharing Health Canada's position statement below to ensure all registrants are aware of Health Canada's directive regarding GLP-1 compounding activities.
This guest post highlights an important interaction between antiretroviral medications and intranasal corticosteroids. Pharmacists must be aware of these interactions when prescribing for minor ailments, providing therapeutic substitutions, and providing over-the-counter recommendations to patients. For support in managing drug interactions with antiretrovirals, pharmacists can call St. Paul’s...
An estimated 4 million Canadians are affected by chronic kidney disease (CKD).1 Patients with chronic kidney disease (CKD) are on a median of 8 drugs and are at high risk of experiencing adverse drug reactions (ADRs)
Effective immediately, all prescribed alternative (PA) doses dispensed must be accompanied by either the intervention code “VS – Other outcome or intervention” for witnessed PA or the intervention code “SA – Prescribed safer alternative” for non-witnessed PA.
Every June, during National Indigenous History Month in Canada, we honour the stories, achievements and resilience of First Nations, Inuit, and Métis Peoples across Canada, both now and throughout history. It's a time for us...
Effective May 13, 2025, The Pharmacy Examining Board of Canada (PEBC) has introduced a streamlined pathway that exempts eligible international pharmacy graduates from the Pharmacist Evaluating Examination.
The Pharmacy Examining Board of Canada (PEBC) is conducting a survey to measure the importance of the entry to practice competencies for pharmacists and pharmacy technicians that are essential for public protection
As approved by the Board, The College of Pharmacists of BC (CPBC) filed amendments to the Fee Schedule under the Pharmacy Operations and Drug Scheduling Act (PODSA) Bylaws in accordance with the College’s 2025/26 Budget.
JOB OPPORTUNITY: Investigator
CPBC is currently recruiting for an Investigator.
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View the Full Job Posting: |
CPBC invites all BC pharmacy professionals to participate in the Safety Attitudes Questionnaire (SAQ) survey.
Your participation will provide us with valuable insights into safety...
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Important information about available support for those who need it is included at the end of this message |
Vancouver, BC – April 24, 2025...
As we move further into 2025, I've been reflecting on the work we've been doing at CPBC to address the serious issue of business pressures in pharmacies and the impact they can have on public health and safety. This continues to be a top priority for us and an issue that I care deeply about.
Last month, CPBC leaders traveled to the qathet Region (colonially known as Powell River) to share in...
Starting April 1, 2025, all pharmacy professionals in BC must complete a minimum of 3 hours of learning per year related to Indigenous Cultural Safety, Cultural Humility, and Anti-racism (ICSH/AR).
This year UBC’s Continuing Pharmacy Professional Development (CPPD) celebrates its 36th annual Update conference.
The BC Ministry of Health is seeking applications from front-line pharmacy professionals to form a pharmacy council. The 34-member council will act as an advisory body, providing feedback on pharmaceutical policy, practice topics, and patient/provider experience to support Ministry decision-making.
The National Association of Pharmacy Regulatory Authorities (NAPRA) is currently recruiting a pharmacy student for Summer 2025. They are looking for a pharmacy student who is currently enrolled in an accredited Canadian pharmacist program.
The Province of BC has announced changes to the prescribed alternatives policy, which will now require all prescribed alternatives to be witnessed by health professionals. This requirement goes into effect immediately for all new clients only.
Join a Committee
THE COLLEGE OF PHARMACISTS OF BC (CPBC) IS CURRENTLY SEEKING PHARMACISTS, PHARMACY TECHNICIANS, AND MEMBERS OF THE PUBLIC TO SERVE ON OUR VOLUNTEER COMMITTEES.
CPBC has established several committees to support our legislated mandate.
As approved by the Board, CPBC filed amendments to the Fee Schedule under the HPA Bylaws with the Ministry of Health, in accordance with the College’s 2025/2026 budget. A summary of the 2025/26 fees is provided below. Please refer to the ...
We are seeking a leader who has knowledge and an understanding of Indigenous cultures and practices; current and historical issues; Indigenous cultural safety and cultural humility; Indigenous-specific racism, and anti-racism; equity, diversity, and inclusion; and Indigenous worldviews to take on the role of ...
As 2024 winds down, I've been reflecting on the incredible journey we've been on this past year. It's been a time of expansive growth and learning for us at CPBC. From working with our Board on strategic priorities, to preparing to transition to the Health Professions...
With the winter holidays approaching and many pharmacies adopting holiday hours, it is important for pharmacists to ensure that they are able to accommodate the dosing schedules of clients receiving Opioid Agonist Treatment (OAT).
If you are planning to submit your continuing education or complete your registration or pharmacy license renewal over the holidays, make sure you are prepared.
The CPBC Office will be closed from...
Bylaws for Comment: Amendments to the PODSA Bylaws - Fee Schedule
The College is asking for your feedback on a proposed amendment to the Pharmacy Operations and Drug Scheduling Act (PODSA) Bylaws that will repeal and replace Schedule A – Fee Schedule (PODSA Fee Schedule) in accordance with the College’s 2025/26 budget as approved by the College Board.
2024 Board Election Results
The College is pleased to share the results of the most recent Board elections held for pharmacy professionals in Districts 2, 4, and 6.
The successful candidates (indicated in bold, below) will begin their term at the November 2024 Board meeting.
Polls are now open for District 2 (Fraser Valley), District 4 (Kootenay/Okanagan), and District 6 (Urban Hospitals).
As we approach Orange Shirt Day and the National Day for Truth and Reconciliation, our hearts and minds turn to the Indigenous children who were taken from...
Board Elections: Candidates Confirmed - Polls Open September 27, 2024
The College is pleased to announce the candidates for the upcoming College of Pharmacists of BC Board elections. Candidates are listed alphabetically by last name within each district.
Business Metrics and their Impact on Public Safety: A Report from the College of Pharmacists of BC
