Celebrating the Spirit and Achievements of Canadian Pharmacists
As we mark another Canada Day, Centrum Pharmacy is proud to honour the legacy and leadership of Canadian pharmacists—professionals who have shaped not only our profession but the very fabric of Canadian healthcare and community life.
From Louis Hébert to Today’s Innovators
Louis Hébert (c. 1575–1627)
Often called Canada’s first apothecary, Louis Hébert arrived in New France in 1617 and provided settlers with essential medicines and botanical knowledge—laying the groundwork for pharmacy in this country.
Murray Koffler (1924–2017)’
A visionary entrepreneur, Murray Koffler founded Shoppers Drug Mart in 1962, transforming pharmacy practice and access. His innovations created Canada’s largest pharmacy chain and set new standards for patient‑centred retail healthcare.
A. C. Anderson (1909–1996)
After graduating from the University of Alberta, Andrew Charles Anderson opened Anderson’s Medical Dental Pharmacy in Lethbridge and went on to serve 18 years as the city’s longest‑serving mayor—demonstrating the impact a pharmacist can have far beyond the dispensary.
Kelly Grindrod (b. 1976)
Named Canadian Pharmacist of the Year in 2020, Professor Kelly Grindrod has been a trusted public voice on vaccines, COVID‑19 boosters, and combating health misinformation—showing how pharmacists today lead in public health education.
Morris Goodman (b. 1931)
Co‑founder of Pharmascience Inc., Dr. Goodman built one of Canada’s largest generic pharmaceutical companies and, through the Morris & Rosalind Goodman Foundation, has funded stroke units, pediatric drug formulation centres, and cancer research—embodying the pharmacist’s role as philanthropist and innovator.
Morẹ́nikẹ́ Ọláòṣebìkan (b. 19xx)
A licensed clinical pharmacist and inventor, Morenike developed KEMPLEX™, a modular on‑demand medicine‑manufacturing system to address drug shortages in low‑resource settings—highlighting Canadian pharmacy’s global humanitarian reach.
The Canadian Pharmacist Ethos: Caring for the Whole Patient
These trailblazers share a commitment to:
- Access & Innovation: Ensuring patients everywhere can obtain safe, effective medicines.
- Leadership & Advocacy: Stepping beyond the counter to lead public‑health initiatives, policymaking, and community development.
- Education & Research: Advancing our understanding of drug therapy, antimicrobial stewardship, and patient education.
- Compassion & Service: Never forgetting that at the heart of pharmacy is caring for people—their families, neighbours, and communities.
Centrum Pharmacy’s 4 C’s in Action
On this Canada Day, we renew our pledge to live out these values every day through our 4 C’s of care:
- Complete Care: From minor‑ailment prescribing to medication reviews and vaccinations, we provide end‑to‑end pharmacy services.
- Comprehensive Care: We address your health holistically—considering social, environmental, and lifestyle factors.
- Caring Care: No quotas or timers—just compassionate, individualized attention.
Connected Care: We link you to virtual doctors, on‑site walk‑in clinics, and family‑doctor rostering so your care never skips a beat.
