A Flin Flon resident and pharmacist has had a provincial award named in her honour.
The Lois Cantin Excellence in Rural Practice award was introduced earlier this year by the Canadian Society of Hospital Pharmacists (CSHP).
Born in rural Manitoba, Cantin’s career in pharmacy took her around Manitoba, settling in the Flin Flon area and serving as the Northern Health Region’s director of pharmacy. Cantin was also a president of the Manitoba Pharmaceutical Association and a former chair of the National Association of Pharmacy Regulatory Authorities, also holding posts with other provincial and national pharmacy groups.
Cantin died last year after a battle with cancer.
Cantin was a member of the Canadian national alpine skiing team in her youth and held belts in Taekwondo and judo, coached soccer and was a supporter of the Flin Flon Community Choir.
“Lois was an inspiration to many and we hope that this award will inspire current and future leaders in pharmacy practice in rural Manitoba,” said CSHP past-president Brenda Rosenthal.
“Lois had a life-time of passion and commitment to hospital pharmacy in Manitoba. It is through this award that her name and her work will continue to be remembered and honored,” added Sherry Piersol, CSHP industry trustee.
The first winner of the Lois Cantin Excellence in Rural Practice award was Jamey Willsey, a pharmacist at the Portage Clinic in Portage la Prairie.
