Canada’s Parliamentary Secretary to the Minister of Health Maggie Chi welcomed the global pharmacy community to Montreal today at the opening of the 84th FIP World Congress of Pharmacy and Pharmaceutical Sciences.

Speaking on behalf of Minister Marjorie Michel and the Government of Canada, Ms Chi highlighted the evolving role of pharmacists in delivering accessible care, including vaccination, minor ailments management and chronic disease support.

 

She also emphasised pharmacists’ frontline role in responding to medicine shortages and the importance of strengthening pharmaceutical supply chains.

 

“Through the Pharmaceutical and Life Sciences Sector Task Force, we have been bringing together governments, industry, researchers, health professionals and other partners to better understand where our vulnerabilities are and how we can build a stronger and more reliable system. Because a resilient pharmaceutical sector isn't an abstract policy objective. It means a patient can get the medicine they need. It means a pharmacist can spend more time providing care.”

 

Addressing the congress theme, “One Health, One Pharmacy: Bridging science, practice and education,” Ms Chi underscored the importance of international collaboration and knowledge exchange in building stronger, more resilient health systems.