They donned white coats and brightly coloured signs, trudging through the storm. Though the snow came down hard showing little hope of letting up, there was no stopping them as they braved the weather for their voice to be heard.
Hundreds of pharmacists and pharmacy students flocked to downtown Edmonton last Thursday to march in protest cuts in the 2013 provincial budget.
Local Barrhead pharmacists Rita and Caitlin Lyster, as well as a patient Glenda Mosher, took a bus to the city for the rally. Barrhead Co-op pharmacist Katie Kjelland also attended.
“Patient care first! Patient care first!” The group chanted as they made their way from Corona LRT Station to the Alberta Legislature building.
They waved and cheered as passing cars honked in support. Many handed out informative flyers and held vibrant signs that showed messages such as “Let us help patients” and “Pharmacists are key to healthy Albertans.”
The large group of about 300 made their way to the Alberta Legislature building. Here the group heard from a number of inspiring speakers including board member of PharmaChoice and pharmacist in Stony Plain Kit Poon, APSA president Laura Coleman, and Liberal party MLA Dave Swan, to name a few.
“It was very overwhelming,” said Mosher, who was moved by the rally’s passion.
There comes a time when you have to take a stand against what is happening to you, said Lyster. Though Barrhead is a small rural community, she said it’s important to come together, no matter the size or location, for the citizens to be heard.
Pharmacists and students came from Rocky Mountain House, Athabasca, Barrhead, Breton, Edmonton, Calgary, Gibbons, Lethbridge, Taber, Medicine Hat, Wabasca, Wetaskiwin, Drayton Valley, Stony Plain, Spruce Grove, Edson, St.Paul, Redwater, Morinville, Banff, Canmore, Airdrie, Lacombe and Red Deer.
“When negotiations have stopped working, when one side unilaterally makes a decision of power that crushes you, then it is important to stand up with your peers and bring a respectful message back,” said Lyster. “We needed to speak up for the profession and most important, speak up for the vulnerable who will feel the greatest impact.”
Considering the weather, Lyster said she was happy with the turnout. Not only were there pharmacists who have been in the business for years, there were many students and individuals new to the industry.
“It was very encouraging seeing the students since they are the future,” said Lyster. “Decisions made today will impact them. Their support was integral and vital.”
However, Lyster said she felt some disappointment with Barrhead’s participation as she came to Edmonton on a bus with 51 empty seats.
“Whatever their reasons, they will have to live with their decision to not participate. My staff and I took a stand for what we believed in,” she said. “For our future, but most important, for the care and accessibility of our customers and for the citizens of Alberta who deserve quality and accessible pharmaceutical care.”
