Mr. Speaker, I rise today to acknowledge the work and contribution of Canada's 40,000 pharmacists, who are leading the charge in innovative health care practices from coast to coast to coast.
Pharmacists are the most accessible health care providers in the country, and they are a vital point of contact between our health care system and the Canadian public.
As members of the House know, local pharmacies are critical to the health of any community and, as small business owners, are the backbone of the Canadian economy.
Throughout the country, pharmacists provide basic medical services including vaccines, exams, and pharmaceutical advice. Some pharmacists can even prescribe medication for common ailments. Pharmacists play a very important role in Canada's health care system.
I invite all members to join me in welcoming representatives of the Canadian Pharmacists Association to Ottawa today. Let us recognize them for the hard work they do in keeping all Canadians healthy.