TORONTO — The Neighbourhood Pharmacy Association of Canada (Neighbourhood Pharmacies) is exhibiting a renewed sense of energy and optimism in its role as a national pharmacy trade association.

Building on the momentum created at last month’s Neighbourhood Pharmacy Expo in Toronto, “Neighbourhood Pharmacies has never been stronger or more united in its mandate to serve its retail pharmacy members, associates and, ultimately, Canadian patients from coast to coast,” the association says in a statement.

Vivek Sood, board chair of Neighbourhood Pharmacies and general manager of Sobeys National Pharmacy Group, pointed out at the expo that “the value proposition for Neighbourhood Pharmacies has never been clearer in bringing together the industry in order to help pharmacy find common ground and develop fact-based public policy solutions.”

“This is an exciting and pivotal time for Neighbourhood Pharmacies as we usher in a new era of transparency, member engagement and industry collaboration, and deliver on important but focused advocacy outcomes,” added Neighbourhood Pharmacies chief executive officer Justin Bates.

That transparency and focus on collaboration will be a central theme of the association in its ongoing relationships with the national and provincial pharmacy advocacy associations, governments, private insurance payers and all other organizations, on issues resolution and advocacy initiatives that are relevant to both the business and profession of pharmacy.

It will be vital to build on an increasing degree of cohesion and unity of message if pharmacy’s voice is to be influential with decision makers, the group says. At the same time, the development of evidence-based solutions enhance the credibility and influence of the association — a point driven home by Bates at the expo.

In the current Canadian health care environment, pharmacy spending accounts for some $30 billion in expenditures, and governments are united in the need to manage those costs better, according to Neighbourhood Pharmacies.

“So as the scrutiny of pharmacy practice and business increases, Neighbourhood Pharmacies is enhancing its capabilities in order to ensure that pharmacy’s voice is heard,” the group says. “In the end, the value of Neighbourhood Pharmacies will be measured in what, together, its members will provide to our communities, patients and Canadian society as a whole.”