Swing Riding Candidates Called On to Reject Proposal to Ban Loyalty Rewards at B.C. Pharmacies
18,000 British Columbians have signed 'I Earned It' petition
VANCOUVER, May 9, 2013 /CNW/ - Today, the Coalition for Consumer Choice (CCC) and over 18,000 British Columbians called on candidates in 12 swing ridings to reject a proposal to ban loyalty rewards for non- government-paid prescriptions purchased at B.C. pharmacies.
"It is time for all of these candidates to listen to British Columbians and reject a proposal to ban loyalty rewards for the purchase of non-government-paid prescription medication," said Coalition spokesperson Randy Konrad, Regional Pharmacy Manager with Canada Safeway. "Loyalty programs build stronger bonds between patients and their pharmacists and as a result encourage better patient adherence to prescription medication."
Since the Coalition launched the "I Earned It" petition at www.iearnedit.ca urging candidates running in the provincial election to continue allowing consumers to earn loyalty points at pharmacies in April, more than 18,000 British Columbians have added their voice to the issue by signing the petition.
"This is an important issue for patients across British Columbia," said Roxanne Stewart, Vice President of the Chronic Pain Association of Canada. "We urge all voters to ask their local candidates where they stand."
The CCC continues to encourage candidates of all political parties to reject the proposal to ban loyalty rewards for non-government funded prescriptions and sign the petition. The CCC is particularly urging voters in the following swing ridings to contact their local candidates to determine where they stand on this issue:
SWING RIDINGS
- Burnaby Lougheed
- Burnaby North
- Comox Valley
- Delta North
- North Vancouver Lonsdale
- Oak Bay Gordon Head
- Parksville Qualicum
- Saanich North and the Islands
- Saanich South
- Vancouver Fairview
- Vancouver Fraserview
- Vancouver Point Grey
Issue background
In September 2012, the College of Pharmacists of British Columbia first proposed eliminating the ability of individuals to collect loyalty rewards on non-government paid prescriptions at B.C. pharmacies. The College has delayed considering such a ban until after the provincial election. The final decision to implement a ban resides with the Minister of Health. The Coalition is asking candidates in the provincial election campaign to take a strong stand on this issue and support consumers by maintaining the status quo.
About the Coalition for Consumer Choice
www.iearnedit.ca The Coalition for Consumer Choice is an organization of consumers, pharmacists, businesses and associations that represent a strong and united voice calling on B.C. MLA Candidates to reject a proposed ban on loyalty rewards in B.C. pharmacies. The Coalition believes consumers have the right to choose where they shop and the types of loyalty rewards they earn with their purchases.
SOURCE: Coalition for Consumer Choice
Jeremy Twigg
604-688-2505 office
604-306-4036 mobile
[email protected]
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