Justin J. Bates Appointed Permanent Chief Executive Officer of Neighbourhood Pharmacy Association of Canada

TORONTO, Sept. 26, 2016 /CNW/ - The Neighbourhood Pharmacy Association of Canada (Neighbourhood Pharmacies) is pleased to announce that Mr. Justin J. Bates has been appointed the permanent CEO of the organization.

Vivek Sood, the Chair of the Board, said: "I am very pleased to announce Justin's appointment as permanent CEO. The Board is confident that under his leadership, we will succeed in increasing member engagement, industry collaboration, and developing evidence-based public policy solutions for all levels of governments, the private insurance sector, and Canadian patients, who rely on the highest quality care in our neighbourhood pharmacies from coast to coast to coast."

Mr. Bates first joined the Canadian Association of Chain Drug Stores, as Neighbourhood Pharmacies was previously known, in 2006, and was named interim CEO in May 2016.  Since then, he has moved quickly to increase transparency and stakeholder collaboration, which are central themes of the Association in its advocacy initiatives that will ensure the sustainability of the pharmacy business in the years ahead.

Responding to the Board's appointment, Mr. Bates said: "I am grateful to the Neighbourhood Pharmacies Board of Directors and members for the confidence they have placed in me to lead the Association's activities on the wide range of issues that confront our members.  As the scrutiny of pharmacy practice and business increases, it is critical that we enhance our capability to develop the highest degree of cohesion and unity, in order to earn the trust and respect for the Association in the current Canadian healthcare environment".

Neighbourhood Pharmacies has identified the need for a new national pharmacy reimbursement strategy, and is currently laying the groundwork for a framework that will promote pharmacy growth while meeting the needs of public and private payors.  The Neighbourhood Pharmacies Executive Summit on October 27 and 28 in Toronto will be the first step of a multi-phased project to advance that new reimbursement model, and ensure the sustainability of pharmacy in today's challenging and dynamic environment.

About the Neighbourhood Pharmacy Association of Canada

The Neighbourhood Pharmacy Association of Canada (Neighbourhood Pharmacies) is the respected voice and advocate for the business of pharmacy.

We represent the owners and operators of the country's leading Neighbourhood Pharmacies brands, serving Canadians through chain, banner, and franchised neighbourhood pharmacies, as well as grocers and mass merchandisers with pharmacies.  We also represent the leading retail buying and banner groups serving independent pharmacies.  Pharmacy suppliers, including pharmaceutical manufacturers, technology companies, data specialists, marketing companies and consultants also participate in the organization as associates.

SOURCE Neighbourhood Pharmacy Association of Canada

please contact Anthony J. Silva, VP, Stakeholder Relations and Technology, [email protected], 416-226-9100 ext. 4005