Pharmacists are licensed health professionals who prepare, dispense, and provide advice about both prescription and non-prescription medicines. They are specialists in medicine action, use, dosage, side effects, and interaction with other substances. They help ensure the safe use of medicines in people of all ages.

A pharmacist may hold a bachelor's, master's, or doctorate degree in pharmacy. All pharmacists must graduate from an accredited program and successfully pass the Pharmacy Licensing Board of Canada exam. A pharmacist must hold a current licence in the province in which he or she practices. Licensing requirements are managed by individual provincial pharmacy regulatory authorities. Provincial regulatory authorities are coordinated by the National Association of Pharmacy Regulatory Authorities (NAPRA).