Important Update on Regulation of Pharmacy Technicians

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The new Pharmaceutical Act and Regulations (December 2006 – Bill 41) is expected to be proclaimed by Government and will come into effect on January 1, 2014. As a result, the job title “Pharmacy Technician” will become a restricted title. This means that only individuals who have completed the requirements set out under the Regulations can be legally called “Pharmacy Technician”. This legislative change impacts current Pharmacy Technicians who are MAHCP members.

The qualifications set out in the Regulations for a Pharmacy Technician are not required in order for our members to perform their current job duties. The work they perform, duties, responsibilities, pay level, etc., will not change. The only thing that will change is the job title according to the WRHA Pharmacy Program informational letter sent to the MAHCP on November 6, 2013. The exact same information was also provided by the Northern Health Region. A copy of the letter has been shared via email with MAHCP Pharmacy Technicians in each of the regions. If you have not yet received it and wish to receive an email copy of the official letter, please contact your Labour Relations Officer.

The new job title will be “Pharmacy Assistant” going forward after January 1, 2014. All other terms and conditions of employment will remain the same. The letter also indicated that the employer will be providing their respective staff with more information about the new Act and changes to the pharmacy profession related therein.

The following sites will provide further details;