Membership

The Ontario Pharmacists’ Association (OPA) represents the views and interests of more than 12,000 pharmacists and pharmacists-in training across the province. Members benefit from access to first-rate insurance programs, continuing education discounts, news and information, regular networking opportunities and more. What sets the Association apart is the ability to present a powerful, united voice to government and other industry stakeholders, on behalf of the profession.

 No matter which stage you’re at in your pharmacy career, or what your practice environment, there’s an OPA membership category designed to fit your needs: 

  • Full membership is ideal for licensed, practicing pharmacists who are in good standing with the Ontario College of Pharmacists and who reside in Ontario. Membership includes the full range of benefits as well as voting privileges.
  • Spousal membership is a great option when two full members reside in the same household. The spousal member receives full benefits and voting privileges.
  • Hospital pharmacist membership is an option for those working full time in a hospital environment and it comes with full member benefits but without voting privileges.
  • Student membership is open to students registered in a pharmacy program at any education institution (proof of enrolment is required). Students receive full member benefits but without voting privileges.
  • Supporting membership is open to pharmacists 65 years of age or older as of December 21, 2009; or who are fully disabled (as defined by OPA’s insurance program); or with a Canadian license living outside of Ontario; or no longer licensed to practice in any jurisdiction (subject to approval; pharmacists whose licences have been revoked do not qualify). Supporting members receive full member benefits but without voting privileges.
  • Pharmacy technician membership gives technicians an inside view into the world of pharmacy. Pharmacy technician members receive full member benefits but without access to OPA’s insurance offerings and without voting privileges.

For membership information and more, click on the links below:

  1. 2010 OPA Membership Brochure 
  2. 2010 Membership and Insurance Application Form  
  4. Pay online for your 2010 membership



Reasons to join

Advocacy

OPA works exclusively on behalf of pharmacists. We advocate for:

  • the advancement of pharmacy practice in all environments
  • the financial viability and sustainability of pharmacy practice

We work with government and other industry stakeholders to advance the role of the pharmacist in healthcare delivery, and with third-party payors on issues affecting pharmacy operations and compensation.

Awareness

The Association keeps members up-to-date on the latest developments affecting the profession. Members receive:

  • access to the Members Hotline, which provides a direct link to OPA for professional practice and advocacy issues
  • email bulletins, which provide important news and information updates
  • exclusive access to OPA's member website

Collaboration

We create strategic alliances with various stakeholders in support of the role of the pharmacist. We:

  • represent the profession on public health and safety issues
  • promote the delivery of seamless care by linking hospital and community pharmacists
  • support the pharmacist's role in primary care and on family health teams
  • provide opportunities for pharmacists to share information, ideas and interests

 

Member benefits

Insurance

  • Professional liability insurance
  • A range of insurance programs including home and auto, health and dental, life and disability, store and more
  • Non-commissioned insurance staff to support members

Continuing education

  • Access to top-quality continuing education and certificate programs designed by pharmacists
  • Special rates for OPA education programs and conference
  • Free webinars

Networking opportunities

  • Annual conference
  • District meetings

Subscriptions

  • The Ontario Pharmacist quarterly magazine
  • Pharmacists' Letter
  • Medical Letter (special offer)
  • RxFiles (early bird bonus)

Special offers

  • GoodLife Fitness Centres
  • Bell Mobility
  • Enterprise Rent-A-Car
  • Royal LePage Real Estate savings programs
  • Group mortgage assistance
  • Discounts at attractions such as the Ontario Science Centre, Wonderland and Ontario Place


Full, spousal, hospital pharmacist, student and supporting memberships are available.

For more information on membership benefits, please contact Wendy Furtenbacher, Membership Coordinator, at This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it or 416-441-0788 ext. 4224.