In early 2023, Ontario empowered pharmacists to prescribe for 13 minor ailments-including hay fever, cold sores, and acid reflux-and introduced a $19 assessment fee per consultation.
Months later, then-Shoppers Drug Mart President Jeff Leger met with Health Minister Sylvia Jones. Internal briefing notes show the government expected Shoppers to request further scope expansion-just as Ontario prepared to add six more conditions by October 2023.
By July 2024, Ontario announced plans to add 14 more ailments-including shingles and insomnia-with regulatory changes targeted for September 2025.
Health Minister Jones’ office reported over two million patient visits under the program since 2023. The Ontario Medical Association expressed concern, urging integrated care-not fragmentation-saying physicians remain willing collaborators if patient safety and oversight are preserved.