Loblaw Companies Limited has appointed three external healthcare advisers to its Patient Care and Quality Committee of the Board of Directors.
For two decades, pharmacists have been responding to an urgent need for more accessible healthcare. What began with administering flu shots in 2007, has become an important part of how Loblaw and Shoppers Drug Mart pharmacists are doing their part for patients who are increasingly turning to their local pharmacists for proven, convenient care for a growing number of specific acute and chronic conditions, said the company.
“The Company is a strong supporter of universal access to care within Canada’s single payor system. It is focused on continuing to adhere to the highest standards of care. The Committee takes its inspiration from public health systems across Canada and provides oversight, separate from business management, for quality improvement, risk management and incident response across Shoppers Drug Mart, Loblaw Pharmacies and Lifemark. It complements essential provincial regulatory oversight already in place in every jurisdiction in the country,” it said.
Formed in January 2025, the committee will benefit from each of the newly appointed advisors’ experience in quality care delivery, said Loblaw:
Adalsteinn Brown, PhD: Currently Dean of the Dalla Lana School of Public Health at the University of Toronto, Dr. Brown has extensive experience in healthcare policy and governance, having previously served in the Ontario Ministry of Health where he drafted legislation governing health quality committees and co-chaired the COVID-19 Science Advisory Table.
Dr. Susan Shaw: As Chief Medical Officer for the Saskatchewan Health Authority and formally Board Chair for the Saskatchewan Health Quality Council, Dr. Shaw is a recognized leader in healthcare quality improvement and patient safety. Her career spans academia, advocacy, and senior leadership roles. Dr. Shaw currently sits on the Board of the Saskatchewan Health Quality Council.
Dr. Andy Smith: Dr. Andy Smith is a surgeon and leader in colorectal cancer management, and has served as President and CEO of Sunnybrook Health Sciences Centre since 2007. His board experience includes the Toronto Academic Health Sciences Network, ORNGE, Public Health Ontario, HealthCareCAN, and Toronto Innovation Acceleration Partners.
“The expertise and judgement these healthcare leaders bring to Loblaw’s Patient Care and Quality Committee will directly benefit the millions of Canadians who increasingly count on their local pharmacist for care,” said Galen G. Weston, Chair, Loblaw Board of Directors. “As the enhanced role of pharmacists continues to reduce pressure on Canada’s primary care system, I want to thank them for agreeing to serve.”
“The healthcare landscape is constantly evolving, demanding we reinforce our commitment to patient well-being,” said Jeff Leger, President, Shoppers Drug Mart. “Our pharmacists have been highly responsive to changing needs of the health care system and the guidance from these independent advisors will be instrumental in shaping our practices and ensure we exceed the expectations of our patients.”
Loblaw is Canada’s food and pharmacy leader, and the nation’s largest retailer. Loblaw provides Canadians with grocery, pharmacy, health and beauty, apparel, general merchandise, financial services and wireless mobile products and services. With more than 2,500 corporate franchised and Associate-owned locations, Loblaw, its franchisees and Associate-owners employ more than 220,000 full- and part-time employees, making it one of Canada’s largest private sector employers.
It has more than 1,100 grocery stores that span the value spectrum from discount to specialty; full-service pharmacies at nearly 1,400 Shoppers Drug Mart® and Pharmaprix® locations and close to 500 Loblaw locations; PC Financial® services; Joe Fresh® fashion and family apparel; and four of Canada’s top-consumer brands in Life Brand®, Farmer’s MarketTM, no name® and President’s Choice.®
