The number of pharmacists licensed to practice in Canada is forecasted to increase from 48.76 thousand in 2024 to 52.83 thousand in 2028. In 2023, the figure stood at approximately 47.7 thousand. The year-on-year percentage growth from 2024 to 2025 is 2.1%, and from 2025 to 2026 it is 2.1%. Calculating the compound annual growth rate (CAGR) over the forecast period (2024-2028), the average annual increase is approximately 2.0%.
Future trends to watch for include the expanding roles of pharmacists in community healthcare, technological advancements in pharmacy practices, and potential changes in healthcare policies that could affect pharmacist numbers and demand.