Advocacy

Strengthening Healthcare-Systems Pharmacy in Manitoba

The Canadian Society of Healthcare-Systems Pharmacy (CSHP) Manitoba Branch is committed to advancing healthcare-systems pharmacy through strategic collaboration, policy leadership, professional recognition, and system sustainability.

Our advocacy efforts focus on strengthening partnerships, modernizing pharmacy practice, advancing equity, and ensuring pharmacy voices are represented at the highest levels of decision-making in Manitoba.

Our Advocacy Priorities & Initiatives

1. Collaborative Leadership in Manitoba Pharmacy

We actively collaborate with Manitoba’s pharmacy organizations — Pharmacists Manitoba, Canadian Association of Pharmacy Technicians (CAPT), College of Pharmacists of Manitoba, University of Manitoba, and Shared Health — through joint executive engagement and coordinated advocacy efforts.

This includes:

  • Aligning advocacy priorities across provincial partners
  • Participating in joint executive discussions
  • Meeting with the Manitoba Minister of Health to represent healthcare systems pharmacy perspectives

In August 2025, we met with the Minister of Health in collaboration with Manitoba’s pharmacy organizations to advocate for eChart access for all pharmacists in the province. Our joint executive continues to advance this important initiative.

In July 2024, we met with the Minister to discuss advancement of pharmacy technician scope of practice and licensure — an ongoing effort to strengthen the pharmacy workforce and optimize team-based care. We also advocated for increased pharmacy staffing across the Manitoban health system.

Through unified leadership, we amplify the collective voice of pharmacy across Manitoba.

2. Strategic Partnerships Across Health Professions

Pharmacy does not operate in isolation. We are building meaningful relationships with other Manitoba health professional organizations to:

  • Align on shared healthcare priorities
  • Advance interprofessional advocacy initiatives
  • Promote collaborative, team-based interprofessional care models

We are currently in discussion with Doctors Manitoba and the Canadian Association of Physician Assistants to strengthen our collective advocacy voice and identify shared priorities.

Strong interprofessional partnerships improve patient outcomes and elevate the role of healthcare systems pharmacists within Manitoba’s healthcare landscape.

3. Advancing and Recognizing Expanded Scope of Practice

Healthcare systems pharmacists are practicing at an increasingly advanced level. We:

  • Acknowledge pharmacy professionals practicing with expanded scope
  • Promote initiatives that advance clinical authority and autonomy
  • Advocate for continued evolution of pharmacy practice in Manitoba

We are also actively involved in updating the hospital pharmacy practice direction with the College of Pharmacists of Manitoba to ensure standards reflect modern, patient-centred practice.

By recognizing and supporting expanded scope, we help ensure pharmacists practice to the full extent of their education, training, and expertise.

4. Environmental Sustainability in Pharmacy Policy

Sustainability is an essential component of modern healthcare leadership.

The CSHP Manitoba Branch advocates for:

  • Manitoba pharmacy policies that reflect environmental sustainability
  • Responsible medication waste management practices
  • Integration of environmentally conscious practices within healthcare systems

We are working to implement action items from the CASCADES Network and to promote their information within the Manitoba healthcare system.

We have a dedicated subcommittee focused on environmental stewardship initiatives, including reducing medication waste in the health system and exploring laboratory stewardship strategies to decrease unnecessary lab ordering.

Environmental responsibility is integral to delivering high-quality patient care today while safeguarding future generations.

5. Advancing Equity, Diversity & Inclusion in Pharmacy

We are committed to supporting Indigenous and Black pharmacy professionals and addressing systemic barriers within healthcare.

We are collaborating with Indigenous Pharmacy Professionals of Canada (IPPC) and Black Pharmacy Professionals of Canada (BPPC) to advance advocacy efforts that promote equity, representation, and culturally safe practice across Canada.

In June 2026, IPPC is hosting its annual symposium in Winnipeg and we are delighted to send supporter members to attend. In September 2026, we are planning an Indigenous-focused education event to foster learning, dialogue, and meaningful action within healthcare-systems pharmacy.

We believe advocacy must be inclusive, culturally informed, and grounded in reconciliation and equity.

Indigneous Pharmacy Professionals of Canada logo
Black Pharmacy Professionals of Canada logo

6. Education, Awareness & Future Leaders

Advocacy includes mentorship and education.

We present to third-year pharmacy students at the University of Manitoba to introduce the importance of advocacy, leadership, and professional engagement early in their careers.

We are also investing in updated, environmentally sustainable marketing materials for Pharmacy Awareness Month (PAM) and other events to better engage:

  • Pharmacy team members
  • Other healthcare departments
  • The public

Our goal is to increase awareness of the impact of healthcare systems pharmacy while modeling innovation and sustainability.

Why Advocacy Matters

Healthcare-systems pharmacy plays a critical role in medication safety, clinical excellence, equity, and system sustainability.

Through strategic advocacy, collaboration, and innovation, the CSHP Manitoba Branch works to ensure:

  • Pharmacy perspectives inform provincial health decisions
  • The profession continues to advance
  • Equity and inclusion are prioritized
  • Manitobans benefit from safe, effective, and sustainable medication care

Together, we are shaping the future of healthcare-systems pharmacy in Manitoba.

Get Involved

Advocacy is strongest when it reflects the diverse voices and experiences of our members. We are actively expanding our Advocacy Committee and welcome members who are passionate about advancing the profession.

We are particularly seeking members who:

  • Are involved with the Manitoba Association of Health Care Professionals (MAHCP)
  • Are members of the Manitoba Government and General Employees' Union (MGEU)
  • Have experience in health policy, union engagement, or system-level leadership
  • Are interested in environmental sustainability initiatives
  • Are passionate about equity and inclusion in pharmacy
  • Want to strengthen interprofessional collaboration

Serving on the Advocacy Committee offers opportunities to:

  • Contribute to provincial policy discussions
  • Engage with health system leaders and government representatives
  • Collaborate with pharmacy and non-pharmacy stakeholders
  • Advance scope of practice, sustainability, and equity initiatives
  • Develop leadership and advocacy skills

Your voice matters. Your experience matters.

If you are interested in joining the Advocacy Committee or learning more about our initiatives, please contact us or connect with a member of the CSHP Manitoba Branch Executive.

Together, we can continue to elevate healthcare-systems pharmacy and strengthen patient care across Manitoba.

Content approved by the CSHP Manitoba Advocacy Committee