Membership Benefits

Dear Colleagues and Friends:

As pharmacists, we are dedicated to improving the health and well-being of our clients. As pharmacists, how committed are we to the health and well-being of our profession?

As essential healthcare professionals, pharmacists are well aware of the continuous changes taking place in today's healthcare system. Pharmacists' own role is changing significantly. These changes need to be implemented carefully and pharmacists need MSP to ensure the professions' own interests are being advocated.

Participation in MSP ensures that MSP remains a driving force in practice change. Not only will you have a voice in the future of pharmacy in Manitoba, your support of MSP ensures that, collectively, our voice will be heard loudly!

MSP is the only member-based Manitoba association solely dedicated to improving the professional and economic interests of pharmacists. Negotiations are currently underway to renew contracts for the Non-Insured Health Benefits program as well as the Personal Care Homes agreement. MSP's diligent negotiation with the federal and provincial governments over recent years has resulted in improved compensation for providing pharmacists' services.

The Economics Committee, Pharmacare Committee and Government Relations Committee, which have already established strong relationships with the provincial government, are poised to deliver even more value for your membership dollar.

Public awareness of pharmacists and the role they play in healthcare outcomes has grown however there is more work to be done. The Professional Relations Committee has been busy promoting Pharmacist Awareness Week activities, including television commercials and advertisements, which further promote the value of pharmacists as the most accessible member of the health care team.

The newly formed Public Relations Committee will create new opportunities to highlight the expanding scope of practice that pharmacists will soon see once Bill 41 has been enacted.

If you are not an MSP member currently, I would encourage you to take a look at the benefits of membership – benefits for you and your profession. If you are already a member, I hope you will continue to support your association and be part of shaping our professional future.

Professionally yours,

Mel Baxter

Why become a member?

The Society is a recognized voice of pharmacists on a wide range of issues including reimbursement for services, employment issues, and managed care and other drug utilization initiatives. Whether you are an employee pharmacist, an employer pharmacist, a hospital pharmacist, or a non-practising pharmacist, there are many good reasons to be a member of your professional organization. To be a successful organization, the Society needs you as a member.

"Manitoba Society of Pharmacists is a not-for-profit voluntary organization whose purpose is to promote and advocate the economic and professional interests of its members."

The Benefits of Membership

• Malpractice Insurance through the CPBA: $2 million in basic personal malpractice coverage (higher limits are available).
• Access to The MSP Insurance Program for insurance policies on life, extended health care, and dental through Oguzhan Ozturk at Ozturk Financial and home and store insurance through Matthew Blank at Ruban Insurance.
• A legal assistance plan for members and immediate family through D’Arcy & Deacon.
• Coverage of certain practice related legal expenses incurred in Civil Court or at disciplinary hearing involving the Manitoba Pharmaceutical Association (certain conditions apply).
• Financial management services through Scotia McLeod along with unique benefits for members and their immediate family.
• Access to the Scotia Professional Plan for all your banking requirements.
• The MTS Centre offers exclusive group ticket options and discounts to a variety of events.
• AVIS Rent a Car membership savings card for special discounts.
• Academy Massage Therapy offers members a corporate discount for their services.  Academy Massage Therapy has two locations in Winnipeg.
• Premiere Van Lines offers discounts for local and long distance moves.
• Buying or selling real estate?  Members can now use the real estate member savings program to earn rebate incentives while being represented by top Royal LePage realtors.
• Communication Magazine with accredited and non-accredited Continuing Education units included.
• Member updates via Communication Plus, our email newsletter.
• Weekly job posting and listing of available pharmacists.
• Access to MSP’s website.
• Annual Wage and Benefits survey.
• Negotiate with third parties on fees and reimbursement issues.
• Political Action for Pharmacy
• Mediate disputes between pharmacists and third parties over fees and interpretation of provider agreements.
• Promote pharmacists and their services.