News

At its September 15, 2025, meeting, the Board was presented with the final report of a governance review conducted by the Institute on Governance (IOG), an independent third-party governance consultant. IOG was commissioned last year to consider the relationship between the College’s Board of Directors and the College’s Registrar and CEO from a legislative and best practices perspective, and to include recommendations that will inform and enhance the Board in its duty to manage and…

The Ministry of Health has announced a series of proposed changes that would expand scopes of practice for a number of healthcare professionals. As part of these changes, the Minister asked the College to draft enabling regulations that would: authorize pharmacists to assess and prescribe for 14 additional minor ailments including: sore throat (acute pharyngitis) calluses and corns headache (mild) shingles (herpes zoster) acute insomnia fungal nail infections (onychomycosis) swimmers’ ear (otitis externa) head lice…

TORONTO, ON, September 11, 2025 – After a comprehensive search for a talented and experienced leader with the expertise needed to advance the public-interest mandate of Canada’s largest pharmacy regulator, the Board of the Ontario College of Pharmacists (OCP) is pleased to announce the appointment of Jay O’Neill as Registrar and CEO, effective November 17, 2025. “The Board was unanimous in its decision to appoint Jay as Registrar and CEO, someone who brings unmatched qualifications…

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…

The Ontario College of Pharmacists has submitted its response to the Ministry of Finance’s latest consultation on regulating Preferred Provider Networks (PPNs), which closed on July 28, 2025. This marks the second consultation in the past year, and further engagement is expected. As Ontario’s pharmacy regulator, the College plays a key role in advising government on how proposed changes to PPNs could affect pharmacy patients. Our response highlights long-standing concerns about restrictive PPN arrangements and…

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)…

The College is currently recruiting members of the public as Lay Committee Appointees to serve on any of the College’s eight (8) statutory committees and four (4) standing committees. A full list of committees can be found on the College’s Committees web page. Committees – an important part of professional regulation Committees support the work of the Board and contribute towards advancing the College’s mandate to serve and protect the public interest by helping to carry out the…

We are pleased to share a new update on our progress in addressing business pressures in pharmacy in Ontario. The College’s approach to addressing business pressures incorporates elements related to regulatory programs, data collection and reporting, legislation and regulation changes, and engagement and outreach. Read the June 2025 progress update to learn more about our pilot project on operational assessments in pharmacies, how we are planning for 2026 and the new declaration that thousands of pharmacy owners have…