TORONTO, Aug. 13, 2018 /CNW/ - Neighbourhood Pharmacies applauds the Ontario government's announcement by Minister of Finance Vic Fedeli and Attorney General Caroline Mulroney today to launch consultations about how the province will manage cannabis retail and distribution following the federal government's decision to legalize it on October 17, 2018.

We welcome the Ontario government's measured approach to the legalization of recreational cannabis, while maintaining the following guiding principles: protecting kids, ensuring road safety and combatting the illegal cannabis market.

The Ontario government's decision to consult with businesses, health care professionals, municipalities, First Nations and law enforcement prior to the introduction of the private retail model is warmly welcomed by Neighbourhood Pharmacies. Pharmacy is best placed to be a part of the government's model going forward and we look forward to constructively contributing to the consultation process.  Our members have the safeguards in place to maintain the integrity of the supply chain with appropriate inventory management and measures to prevent theft and diversion. We also bring the experience needed to identify the potential signs of addiction, including cannabis use disorder. Our top priority is keeping our communities safe.

Neighbourhood Pharmacies members are the most trusted health care providers with expertise and unparalleled training in medication management, combined with the accompanying infrastructure in place to ensure public safety and health. It is important that pharmacy be included in the distribution and dispensing as the new Ontario retail model unfolds, particularly as communities across the country grapple with the opioid crisis. We must take every measure to ensure oversight for medical and recreational consumers by their pharmacist. We maintain our patients' medication records and can ensure potential drug to drug interactions are considered.

About the Neighbourhood Pharmacy Association of Canada:

The Neighbourhood Pharmacy Association of Canada represents the business of pharmacy and advocates for Canada's leading pharmacy brands who deliver high value, quality care to Canadians in all models including chain, banner, long-term care, specialty and independent pharmacies as well as grocery chains and mass merchandisers with pharmacies.  Our focus is on improving the delivery of care environment for pharmacy, while fostering the right business conditions for business success.  By leveraging the over 10,500 pharmacies conveniently located in every neighbourhood across Canada, we aim to advance sustainable health care for all stakeholders.

SOURCE Neighbourhood Pharmacy Association of Canada