The MLA for Edmundston-Madawaska Centre and Health Critic, Jean-Claude D’Amours, tabled amendments to two laws regarding pharmacists in the province.

“It is important to recognize the work done by pharmacists in New Brunswick and it begins with concrete actions by the Legislative Assembly,” says the MLA.

Among other things, the amendments urge the government to recognize the Pharmacists Association as the representative and bargaining agent on behalf of the province’s pharmacists within drug legislation.

“An amendment of this kind will certainly send a positive message to those working in the profession but will also ensure that the department and the minister will be required to have further discussions with the pharmacists’ association,” says Mr. D’Amours.

As for the current problems related to the lack of health care professionals, Mr. D’Amours suggests that we must recognize the potential solutions that currently exist.

For example, it is important to recognize that extending the scope of practice of pharmacists is one of the possible solutions and that we must fund this type of service, as is done in the other provinces,” notes Jean-Claude D’Amours. “It is not to assign new responsibilities, but responsibilities that are directly related to their training and areas of expertise.”