Becoming an owner
Interested in becoming an owner-pharmacist? Here is some important information to help you in this endeavour.
In Quebec, only a pharmacist may be owner of a pharmacy. This exclusive right of property, enjoyed by Quebec pharmacists, involves additional responsibilities for the healthcare professional as he now becomes a business owner.
The owner-pharmacist must ensure that his business is successful. His role is to plan, organize, direct and control all resources, whether human, financial or material, so as to reach his financial and professional goals.
The pharmacist’s exclusive ownership right acts as a protective mechanism, ensuring that patients’ interests remain at the heart of every decision. In addition to guaranteeing pharmacists professional independence, it also promotes broader territorial representation beyond major urban centers, improving access to frontline healthcare professionals throughout the province of Quebec.
It is essential for any pharmacist considering ownership to fully understand the scope of this right and the associated responsibilities, before engaging in a purchase process.
Pharmacy Purchase Support Guide
Every decision made before purchasing a pharmacy is crucial to safeguard the ownership right and ensure a smooth, professional transaction.
The AQPP has developed a Pharmacy Purchase Support Guide. This comprehensive tool is designed to equip future pharmacy owners—or pharmacists looking to expand their service points—with essential knowledge of key legal, accounting, and professional considerations.
Access the 2025 Pharmacy Purchase Support Guide (Available in French only – Guide d’accompagnement à l’achat d’une pharmacie 2025)
- Documents to be submitted when purchasing a pharmacy business (Available in French only)
- AQPP transaction forms
Key topics covered in this guide include:
- Establishing your profile and the profile of the pharmacy you wish to own;
- Regulations governing pharmacy ownership in Quebec;
- Operating a pharmacy and the various legal structures it can take;
- Preparing for the different stages of a transaction;
- Relationships with chains and banners, and key clauses in franchise and affiliation agreements;
- Shareholder agreements;
- The importance of surrounding yourself with competent professionals at every stage;
- And more.
Thanks to our Guide partners:
Training: Preparing to purchase a pharmacy business
(Available in French only – Formation : Préparation à l’achat d’une entreprise de pharmacie)
In addition to the guide, we offer an on-demand webinar accessible through the Magistral platform. Members of our legal team demystify key concepts and clauses found in pharmacy purchase documents, explain the challenges related to buying a pharmacy, and introduce best practices for pharmacy acquisition.
This recorded webinar is made possible thanks to: Dallaire Forest Kirouac (DFK), Garant Lemieux, and Meliora.