2025 Pillar of Pharmacy: Gayle Romanetz

With more than 30 years in the profession, Gayle Romanetz has consistently led by example—earning her reputation as a trusted leader, skilled strategist, and dedicated advocate for the evolving role of Canadian pharmacists. The Canadian Foundation for Pharmacy is proud to recognize her outstanding contributions to practice, policy, and patient care with the 2025 Pillar of Pharmacy Award.

“Throughout my career, I have had the privilege of contributing to innovation that has improved patient care, expanded access to essential services, and supported the advancement of pharmacy practice in so many ways,” says Romanetz, who is Vice-President of Operations at Northway Pharmacy in Manitoba.

Notably, Romanetz played a key role in launching Alberta’s first pharmacist-led walk-in primary care clinic in Lethbridge, a milestone that helped shine a national spotlight on the critical role pharmacists can play in frontline care.

Based in Winnipeg, Romanetz has held several leadership positions with Pharmacists Manitoba, as a board member, CEO and now President. In every role, she has demonstrated a deep commitment to future proofing the profession and expanding the scope of pharmacy practice in meaningful and accessible ways.

Her tenure with Loblaw Companies Ltd. further cemented her reputation as an operational, resilient, and people-focused leader. As the Vice President of Operations, she oversaw pharmacy operations, financial performance and talent development across more than 500 locations nationwide. She spent much of her career in Western Canada, and in her role as Senior Director, she managed a team of nine regional pharmacist directors supporting stores across Ontario, Manitoba, Saskatchewan, Alberta, British Columbia, Yukon, and the Northwest Territories.

Romanetz is widely respected for building strong, adaptable teams and fostering a culture of innovation and accountability wherever she goes.

“It is both humbling and energizing to be recognized by peers and leaders in the profession that I admire, especially when so many others are out there doing amazing work every day,” says Romanetz. “This award is not about individual accomplishments; it represents numerous milestones and individuals—mentors, colleagues, collaborators—who helped shape our collective journey.”

Romanetz will be honoured at the Pillar of Pharmacy Awards Dinner on October 16, 2025, at the Inn at the Forks in Winnipeg, Manitoba. Tickets are now available.