MSP Member Update Vol. 7 No. 4
Feb. 12, 2008

In This Issue:   

     MSP Members – Wait to Vote!

Make sure you are fully informed before you send in your ballot.  In the next week, the MSP Government Relations Committee will be meeting with MPhA to clarify certain sections of the December 3rd,  2007 Draft Pharmacy Act Regulations.  In addition, we anticipate receiving a further legal opinion which we will circulate to the membership.

Although we want all pharmacists to participate in this momentous process, we encourage you to wait to get the latest information before you vote.  Once you vote you can’t change your mind.  Hold off until the end of February.  We will do our part and we ask you to take this opportunity to reflect on the future of pharmacy in Manitoba.

Ballot to vote for the DRAFT Pharmacy Act Regulations Policy Document

Pharmacists are being asked to vote on the December 3rd DRAFT Pharmacy Act Regulations Policy Document as outlined in the mailing received from MPhA.  Over the next several weeks Manitoba pharmacists will enter into the most critical stage of the regulation development process as they are asked to decide if they approve this package of draft regulations.  MSP had hoped that certain changes would be made to this package of draft regulations before a vote was held.  Over the next two weeks, MSP will work to determine which sections of this package of draft regulations can be supported.  Based on that analysis, MSP will determine if the Society can recommend members approve the passage of the regulations.

MSP wants all members to be involved in the regulation approval process, however we encourage members to vote only after they are fully informed of the impacts the new regulations will have on their economic and professional interests. Please take the time to get informed; you are voting on your future.

The Manitoba Society of Pharmacists has developed the enclosed document, “Annotated Draft Pharmacy Act Regulations, January, 2008” Since receiving the December 3rd Draft Regulation Policy Document from MPhA, we have focused on creating a document which would serve as a useful resource for members who want to better understand the draft regulations before voting.

It identifies those sections of the draft regulations which are new and did not appear in the Discussion Document of July, 2007.  In addition it identifies the sections of the Discussion Document of July, 2007 which have been removed; including the commentary MPhA provided which explained their intentions.  Finally the “Annotated Draft Pharmacy Act Regulations, January, 2008” identifies those sections of the regulations that relate to a MSP position statement.  It is our hope that this document will be of assistance to you during this important time. To view the “Annotated Draft Pharmacy Act Regulations, January, 2008” document Click Here.

It is MSP’s hope that our members will seize this opportunity which is likely to determine the future of the profession for many years to come.  Members need to know that their individual economic and professional interests will be affected, and it is imperative to participate in the regulation development process.

The Manitoba Society of Pharmacists enjoys a cooperative and productive working relationship with MPhA.  This package of draft regulations has emphasized the distinction between the two organizations unique mandates.  While both organizations share many of the same members, MPhA’s primary mandate is to serve the public.  The Manitoba Society of Pharmacists exists to represent the economic and professional interests of pharmacists.