Nunavut legislature approves law allowing pharmacists to give vaccines

Within the next 18 months, Nunavummiut may be able to see a pharmacist for vaccinations and treatments for minor illnesses.

The Pharmacy Profession Act passed third reading Tuesday in the Nunavut legislative assembly. It awaits assent before it becomes law.

The bill is “a comprehensive modernization of Nunavut’s pharmacy legislation,” Health Minister John Main told the committee of the whole Tuesday, before the bill was voted on.

“Traditionally, pharmacists focused on dispensing medications and providing basic drug information,” he said.

“Today, their role has expanded to include a broader range of clinical services, such as administering vaccines and supporting chronic disease management.”

Main said the need to modernize Nunavut’s pharmacy laws came to a head during the COVID-19 pandemic.

While Nunavummiut were rolling up their sleeves to get vaccinated, the Department of Health was legally unable to employ pharmacists to administer shots – something pharmacists in other jurisdictions, such as Ontario, were able to do.

Examples of some of the minor ailments someone could see a pharmacist for in the future include skin conditions and urinary tract infections, Main said.

In addition to expanding what pharmacists can treat, the bill establishes a pharmacist registration committee, outlines a complaints and discipline process, and allows for pharmacists to provide remote care to people in communities without a pharmacy.

“Right now, our legislation doesn’t properly support remote dispensing or tele-services, but that’s something that in the new bill is properly laid out and supported,” he said.

The bill becomes law once it receives assent from Nunavut Commissioner Eva Aariak, which usually happens on the final day of sitting.

After that, more work will be needed to draft regulations, which Main estimated would take a year to a year and a half roll out. That work will include educating pharmacists, pharmacist technicians and their employers.

Janet Pitsiulaaq Brewster, Iqaluit-Sinaa MLA and co-chair of the standing committee on legislation, told the committee the new legislation will “improve the territory’s health-care delivery system as a whole.”

Tyler Gogo, spokesperson for the Canadian Pharmacists Association, agrees.

“This legislation is a significant step forward and will help to modernize pharmacy care in the territory, bringing it closer in line to other jurisdictions in Canada,” he said in an email.

“By allowing pharmacists to work to their full potential across Canada, pharmacists can provide the care they are trained and trusted to deliver.”