Edmonton’s Murtaza Hassanali has been installed as president of the Alberta College of Pharmacy. Murtaza, who has served on ACP Council since 2023, is a pharmacy owner and licensee who has been practising in Alberta for more than two decades. He is an active preceptor for both University of Alberta students and internationally educated pharmacist graduates (IEPGs) and has also been involved in pharmaceutical research and software development.
Murtaza humbly accepted the responsibility of president at the Celebration of Leadership ceremony in Calgary on June 10, 2026.
“When I look at the names of those who have served before me, I am reminded that I have very big shoes to fill,” said Murtaza. “I have had the privilege of learning from many outstanding leaders during my time on Council, and I hope to carry forward the same commitment to integrity, professionalism, and public service that they demonstrated throughout their terms.”
Murtaza came to Canada from his native Kenya 28 years ago as an international student and studied pharmacy at the University of Alberta. He said he wouldn’t be where he is today without the help of many supporters.
“Along the way, many people opened doors for me, provided opportunities, and invested in my development,” said Murtaza. “They offered guidance, encouragement, and support, helping me navigate the challenges of a young professional finding his place in a new environment. Those experiences taught me lessons that have stayed with me throughout my career: that success is built through mentorship, that leadership is about serving others, and that none of us achieve success alone.”
One of the things that has always impressed Murtaza about pharmacy is that, regardless of how much the profession evolves, the purpose remains unchanged.
“Every day, pharmacists and pharmacy technicians have the opportunity to make a meaningful difference in the lives of Albertans,” said Murtaza. “Whether helping someone navigate a new diagnosis, manage a chronic condition, or simply providing reassurance during a difficult time, we are often present at moments when people need us most. It is a privilege and a responsibility that we should never take for granted. That spirit of service is one of the reasons I am so proud to be a pharmacist.”
As president, Murtaza’s main priority will be continued progress toward the achievement of ACP’s 2026-28 Strategic Plan, which envisions a modern, high-performing, and future-ready pharmacy sector where pharmacists and pharmacy technicians are fully integrated into Alberta’s healthcare system and recognized for the value they bring to patient care.
“The strategic plan challenges us to elevate pharmacy’s role within health care, enable quality care in practice, and anticipate and support the future of our profession,” said Murtaza. “I am excited about that future.”
Murtaza says he plans to incorporate the leadership qualities he has learned over the years into his new role as Council president.
“My commitment as president is simple: to listen carefully, lead thoughtfully, and ensure that the decisions we make remain grounded in our mandate to protect the public while supporting quality pharmacy practice.”
Murtaza’s one-year term as president begins on July 1, 2026.
