The Ontario Pharmacists Association (OPA) was recently recognized as a finalist in two categories for the 2026 University of Waterloo Co-operative and Experiential Education (CEE) Employer Impact Awards, a prestigious recognition for organizations that go above and beyond for co-op students.
OPA was recognized as a finalist in the Impact in Innovation category, which honours employers that empower students to think creatively, tackle real-world challenges, and bring fresh perspectives to meaningful work. Our Director of Professional Affairs, Victoria Ip, was individually nominated as a finalist in the Impact of Exceptional Supervision category, a nomination that came directly from one of our most recent students, who experienced first-hand what it means to be supported and challenged by a great mentor.
These nominations mean a great deal to us, and not just because of the recognition. They reflect something we’ve believed for a long time: that investing in students is one of the most important things a pharmacy organization can do.
Long-Standing Partnership with U Waterloo
OPA has been part of the University of Waterloo co-op program for several years, welcoming pharmacy students for four-month paid work terms. Over the years, we’ve hosted multiple students per year, and while we’ve thoughtfully scaled our program to ensure each student receives a truly meaningful and well-supported experience, our commitment to quality has never wavered.
Co-op students are meaningfully embedded in OPA’s work, contributing to advocacy, research, and practice support initiatives that have a direct impact on pharmacy professionals and patients across Ontario. In 2025, for example, our students played a key role in supporting the development of OPA’s , conducting jurisdictional scans and identifying insurance-related barriers to vaccine access, to help inform the committee work that led to the plan’s release in December 2025.
Meaningful Opportunities to Learn and Contribute
At OPA, we’ve always approached our co-op program with a clear philosophy: we want students who come to OPA to truly thrive. That means giving them access to meaningful opportunities, the resources and training to succeed, and the autonomy to take ownership of their work.
“I view being able to mentor students as a fundamental part of what we do here,” said Ip, who has supervised numerous OPA co-op students over the years. “It really helps them to grow professionally, and personally as well.”
Ip ensures students are given real-world challenges and encouraged to independently investigate, design, and strategize solutions. They are exposed to the full breadth of Professional Affairs work, including advocacy, research, practice support, and stakeholder engagement, enabling them to leave with a richer understanding of what the future of pharmacy could look like.
“It’s a transformative learning opportunity for them, to help shape them into confident and competent professionals,” Ip said. “I try to empower them to develop their potential, build resilience, and feel prepared to successfully transition into their professional careers.”
Want to learn more? Whether you’re a pharmacy student or a recent graduate, OPA has resources and community built specifically for you.
Explore our Student Membership to learn about the benefits, tools, and support available while you’re in school.
Explore our Early Career Membership to find out how OPA can support you as you launch your pharmacy career.
