Alberta court ruling says pharmacist regulator can ban reward points for drugs
EDMONTON — A court ruling means Albertans will not be able to collect reward points for drug purchases or pharmacy services.
The Alberta Court of Appeal on Friday overturned a 2016 ruling that said the body that regulates the province’s pharmacists did not have the legal power to impose a ban on consumer loyalty programs.
The Alberta College of Pharmacists wanted the ban on pharmacists and pharmacies in 2014, but the Sobeys grocery chain challenged the plan.
The college’s appeal argued that pharmacists are a key part of the health-care system and that it had the authority to ensure high ethical standards.