Author: Nancy Schlomer

On November 3, 2025, the Ontario government passed legislative amendments that expand “As of Right” legislation to make it easier for regulated health professionals licensed in other parts of the country to work immediately in Ontario. As of January 1, 2026, pharmacists and pharmacy technicians already licensed in another Canadian province or territory who meet the eligibility criteria can practice for up to six months while completing their registration requirements with the College. As of…

The College’s Registration Committee has approved updates to registration policies to make it easier for applicants and registrants to understand College expectations. Key Registration Policy Updates The Language Proficiency Requirements at Registration for All Applicants Policy has been updated to include new English and French language proficiency tests and cut scores, and to incorporate a 1-year extension of the validity of acceptable language proficiency test scores. The new cut scores align with NAPRA’s Language Proficiency…

College applicants who are undergoing Practice Assessment of Competence at Entry (PACE) and PACE assessors can access the PACE portal here: https://ocp.docebosaas.com/learn

Our newly designed website has arrived! This website has been built with you in mind and offers an enhanced search and navigation experience. Check out our video highlighting the key changes, and explore FAQs posted below.   Video Highlighting Key Website Changes https://youtu.be/1g97m1Ci31k How Did We Get Here? Last year, we began the website refresh by conducting research, reviewing data and hearing feedback. These activities included: Seven focus groups, with 32 total participants, including registrants,…

We are seeking input from registrants, system partners and members of the public on proposed scope of practice changes for pharmacists and pharmacy technicians as part of a 60-day consultation. The deadline to share your feedback is November 24, 2025. Submit your feedback here. The proposed changes would: Authorize pharmacists to assess and prescribe for 14 additional minor ailments Authorize pharmacists to administer injectable partial opioid agonists and antagonists (specifically, buprenorphine) Enable pharmacists to provide additional…

Canada Post is on strike. Canada Post isn’t processing or delivering any mail as long as the strike lasts. Documents that you normally receive from us by mail (e.g., Certificate of Registration for new registrants) may be delayed. If there are any documents you’d normally mail to us, we will not be able to receive or process them until after the labour disruption ends. The College will continue to receive and process documents sent electronically or delivered…

Voting for the Ontario College of Pharmacists, which took place from July 17th to August 6th, 2025, has concluded. OCP is pleased to announce that Connie Beck has been re-elected to the Board as a pharmacy technician director for a three-year term. Scott Ford and Akil Dhirani have also been elected to the Board as pharmacist directors, each for a three-year term. Congratulations Connie, and a warm welcome to Scott and Akil. Thank you to all the candidates who participated…

Voting is now open for the 2025 Board election. The Board of Directors plays a key role in ensuring that standards of practice are maintained through the effective regulation of pharmacy in the public interest. Candidate profiles for the 12 pharmacists and 4 pharmacy technicians running in the election are posted on the OCP website so eligible voters can consider their qualifications and experience before voting. By making an informed choice, you contribute to the College’s…

We’re seeking qualified frontline pharmacy professionals to be Practice Assessment of Competence at Entry (PACE) assessors for pharmacy technician applicants. PACE assessors ensure that applicants meet the College’s practice-based requirements to deliver safe, quality care. Being a PACE assessor is a voluntary role. If you have two or more years of practice experience and are interested in evaluating pharmacy technician applicants’ entry-to-practice readiness, please complete the application form for your primary place of practice: Hospital PACE assessor application…

To protect legitimate patient access to medication containing controlled substances in areas of Ontario affected by wildfires, Health Canada has put temporary measures in place to allow for the movement of controlled substances. The exemption is effective as of June 27, 2025, and expires on December 31, 2025, or until it is revoked or replaced by another exemption. Pharmacists in Ontario who must evacuate their current pharmacy because of wildfires are exempted from subsections 5(1)…