Who We Are

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Who We Are

We acknowledge with respect that the College of Pharmacists of BC is located on the ancestral and unceded territory of the Coast Salish peoples, in the territories of the sḵwx̱wú7mesh úxwumixw (Squamish), sel̓íl̓witulh (Tsleil-Waututh), and xʷməθkʷəy̓əm (Musqueam) nations. We acknowledge and respect the relationship with the land that continues to this day.

Founded in 1891, the College of Pharmacists of British Columbia is a vital link in the chain of trust between patients, pharmacists and pharmacy technicians.

Our job is to protect public health by licensing and regulating pharmacists and pharmacy technicians and the pharmacies where they practice. We are responsible for making sure every pharmacist and pharmacy technician in BC is fully qualified and able to provide the public with safe and ethical pharmacy care.

The College receives its authority from - and is responsible for administering - provincial pharmacy legislation.

Health Professions Act, Section 16, Duty and objects of a college:

16  (1) It is the duty of a college at all times

(a) to serve and protect the public, and

(b) to exercise its powers and discharge its responsibilities under all enactments in the public interest.

Commitment Statement

We are committed to being an inclusive and collaborative regulator, dedicated to regulating pharmacies and pharmacy professionals in support of public safety, optimal health, and culturally-safe, equitable care – free from Indigenous-specific and other forms of racism.

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Accountability
We value the importance of our work and take responsibility for our decisions, words and actions.

We commit to the following actions:

  1. Speaking up and addressing any potential risks to the wellbeing of the public, our staff, and our registrants, including Indigenous-specific and other forms of discrimination and racism. 
     
  2. Engaging in open discussions and focusing on finding practical solutions to achieve intended outcomes.
     
  3. Committing to decisions while remaining agile to respond to change.
     
  4. Continuing to assess and learn from our decisions and their impacts, both intended and unintended.
     
  5. Inspiring our staff, and the pharmacy professionals we regulate, to engage in continued learning for the purpose of understanding and accepting the uncomfortable truths and historic trauma experienced by Indigenous peoples and marginalized communities. 
Integrity
We act ethically, honestly and in good faith.

We commit to the following actions:

  1. Recognizing our privilege and embracing service and selflessness as leaders in healthcare.
     
  2. Doing the right thing in the context of our Values and Commitment statement, even if it is uncomfortable or unpopular. 
     
  3. Upholding the trust and confidence of the public. 
     
  4. Following through on our respective and reciprocal commitments.
Indigenous Cultural Safety and Humility
We help to ensure that Indigenous Peoples have access to a culturally safe healthcare system, free from Indigenous-specific racism. 

We commit to the following actions:

  1. Refusing to engage in denial of the uncomfortable truths and historic trauma that continue to impact Indigenous Peoples’ experiences within the healthcare settings we regulate. 
     
  2. Humbly listening to the feedback and concerns of Indigenous clients and communities about the work that we do. 
     
  3. Understanding, respecting and promoting awareness of the rights and interests of Indigenous Peoples in relation to accessing health services.
     
  4. Seeking guidance from Indigenous Cultural Experts, Knowledge Keepers and Elders on matters related to the health and well-being of Indigenous Clients. 
     
  5. Continuing to actively pursue inclusion of Indigenous ways of knowing into our policies and practices. 
Respect
We value the feelings, culture and preferences of others and recognize that they are as important as our own.

We commit to the following actions:

  1. Creating and fostering a culturally safe environment.
     
  2. Treating all people with dignity and kindness.
     
  3. Embracing diversity in culture, ideas, perspectives and experiences.
     
  4. Practicing active listening, empathy and professionalism.
     
  5. Striving to achieve a shared understanding with the public, our registrants, and our partners.
     
  6. Being open and available to listen and to collaborate.
     
  7. Enriching our working environment with a greater Indigenous cultural presence.

We welcome your feedback and comments at: [email protected]

Learn about our service commitment.