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TORONTO, Ontario — Shoppers Drug Mart announced this week the grand opening of the first of seven pharmacy care clinics in Surrey, British Columbia – with six more to come by the end of the year. At a time of rapid growth in the region, the clinics will provide the community with more ways to access primary care services.
“As highly trained medical professionals, pharmacists are uniquely positioned to step up and meet some of the challenges facing public health systems across the country,” said Jeff Leger, president of Shoppers Drug Mart. “Shoppers Drug Mart is proud to invest in healthcare infrastructure and open seven Pharmacy Care Clinics to serve the growing needs of Surrey residents because we know that an investment in improving access to care is an investment in healthier communities.”
Thoughtfully designed to improve the overall patient experience, the clinics offer unique features such as child-friendly exam rooms, accessible waiting areas, and an onsite “care concierge” dedicated to providing personalized support and ensuring a smooth visit for every patient. These clinics will provide patients access to a range of pharmacy healthcare services, including the assessment and treatment of injuries and common conditions such as urinary tract infections and pink eye - free of charge with a valid British Columbia health card.
Pharmacists are able to relieve pressure on frontline health care services and service providers by managing basic primary care conditions within their scope and triaging more serious cases to higher levels of care when needed.
“The opening of the first pharmacy care clinic by Shoppers Drug Mart in Surrey marks an important milestone for our community,” said Surrey Mayor Brenda Locke. “I want to thank Shoppers Drug Mart for this important investment in our community, and I look forward to the positive impact these clinics will have on our residents. As we continue to grow and become the first city to reach one million people in British Columbia, health care needs are a priority.”
“Surrey's first pharmacy care clinic is a pivotal moment in our community’s healthcare journey,” said Jessie Sunner, MLA for Surrey-Newton. “This clinic will provide essential services and increase access to care, making healthcare more accessible and convenient for our community. It’s always great to see Surrey take steps forward in innovative healthcare solutions."
New health care advisors
The company also announced the appointment of three external health care advisers to its Patient Care and Quality Committee of the board of directors.
For two decades, pharmacists have been responding to an urgent need for more accessible healthcare. What began with administering flu shots in 2007, has become an important part of how Loblaw and Shoppers Drug Mart pharmacists are doing their part for patients who are increasingly turning to their local pharmacists for proven, convenient care for a growing number of specific acute and chronic conditions.
The company is a strong supporter of universal access to care within Canada’s single payor system. It is focused on continuing to adhere to the highest standards of care. The Committee takes its inspiration from public health systems across Canada and provides oversight, separate from business management, for quality improvement, risk management and incident response across Shoppers Drug Mart, Loblaw Pharmacies and Lifemark. It complements essential provincial regulatory oversight already in place in every jurisdiction in the country.
Formed in January 2025, the Committee will benefit from each of the newly appointed advisors’ experience in quality care delivery:
Adalsteinn Brown, PhD: Currently Dean of the Dalla Lana School of Public Health at the University of Toronto, Dr. Brown has extensive experience in healthcare policy and governance, having previously served in the Ontario Ministry of Health where he drafted legislation governing health quality committees and co-chaired the COVID-19 Science Advisory Table.
Dr. Susan Shaw: As Chief Medical Officer for the Saskatchewan Health Authority and formally Board Chair for the Saskatchewan Health Quality Council, Dr. Shaw is a recognized leader in healthcare quality improvement and patient safety. Her career spans academia, advocacy, and senior leadership roles. Dr. Shaw currently sits on the Board of the Saskatchewan Health Quality Council.
Dr. Andy Smith: Dr. Andy Smith is a surgeon and leader in colorectal cancer management, and has served as President and CEO of Sunnybrook Health Sciences Centre since 2007. His board experience includes the Toronto Academic Health Sciences Network, ORNGE, Public Health Ontario, HealthCareCAN, and Toronto Innovation Acceleration Partners. “The expertise and judgement these healthcare leaders bring to Loblaw’s Patient Care and Quality Committee will directly benefit the millions of Canadians who increasingly count on their local pharmacist for care,” said Galen G. Weston, Chair, Loblaw Board of Directors. “As the enhanced role of pharmacists continues to reduce pressure on Canada’s primary care system, I want to thank them for agreeing to serve.”
"The health care landscape is constantly evolving, demanding we reinforce our commitment to patient well-being," said Leger. "Our pharmacists have been highly responsive to changing needs of the health care system and the guidance from these independent advisors will be instrumental in shaping our practices and ensure we exceed the expectations of our patients."
