Reform tracker · Canada · Ontario; Nova Scotia
Pharmacist prescribing in Ontario and Nova Scotia
Ontario pharmacists now prescribe for 28 minor ailments, after 9 were added on 1 July 2026; Nova Scotia pharmacists can prescribe for conditions including hypertension and type 2 diabetes.
The stated rationale
Access to primary care, especially for people without a family doctor.
What changed
- Ontario: minor-ailment prescribing grew from 13 conditions (2023) to 19, with 9 more added from 1 July 2026.
- Nova Scotia: since 1 January 2026, the regulator allows any Nova Scotia pharmacist to prescribe under clinical guidelines for conditions including hypertension, type 2 diabetes and ear infections; publicly funded diagnosis is offered at the province’s 44 pharmacy primary care clinics (as at February 2026).
Context
A federal interpretation of the Canada Health Act, in effect from 1 April 2026, treats patient charges for medically necessary “physician-equivalent” care from nurse practitioners, pharmacists and midwives as extra-billing. Enforcement has been delayed and the services covered are not yet defined. We expect it to accelerate expansions like these.
Who supports it
- Ontario Pharmacists Association
- Pharmacy Association of Nova Scotia
- Nova Scotia Government
Who has raised concerns
- Ontario Medical Association (earlier opposed; now reported to focus on information sharing between providers)
Sources
- Nova Scotia Pharmacy Regulator: Amendments to prescribing standards (effective January 2026)
- Osler: A letter, not a law (March 2026)
- Ontario Ministry of Health: Executive Officer notice on minor ailments (May 2026)
- Canadian Healthcare Network: OMA taking softer stance on pharmacist scope
- PANS: Pharmacy services in Nova Scotia guide (Feb 2026)
- Nova Scotia Health: Community pharmacy primary care clinics