History

Building a national base: Since 1905

  • November 1905, the National Drug and Chemical Company of Canada is incorporated.
  • February 1906, the newly formed corporation initiates the operational integration of 19 wholesale drug companies and 13 retail stores. It is headquartered in Montreal.
  • National Drug is created in Manitoba with the purchase of Drugs Limited. Branches are opened in Winnipeg, Regina and Saskatoon.
  • Canadian Drug Company is acquired in the Maritimes and is merged with the Halifax, Sydney and Saint John subsidiaries to form National-Canadian Drug.

Consolidating for the future: 1960 - 1990

  • The Eastern division and Estey & Curtis merge their operations under the new name of Eastern Drug Services (EDS), and in turn acquire the Halifax-based pharmaceutical distributor, Provincial Wholesale Drugs. Through these acquisitions, EDS becomes the largest pharmaceutical wholesaler in the Atlantic Provinces.
  • National Drug acquires Western Drug in British Columbia, McMurdo Wholesale Drug Company in St. John's, and Top Drug Mart Distribution in Toronto.
  • M. Loeb acquires a controlling interest in 1964, and in 1977 Provigo takes control of M. Loeb and its subsidiaries.
  • In 1980, the corporate name is changed to National Drug Limited.
  • National Drug Limited acquires Southwestern Drug Limited of British Columbia.
  • In 1987, National Drug Limited changes its name to Medis Health and Pharmaceutical Services.

Accelerated growth: 1991 - 2000

  • In 1991, McKesson Corporation in San Francisco acquires a 100 percent interest in Medis Health and Pharmaceutical Services.
  • In 1992, Medis Health and Pharmaceutical Services acquires Focus Pharmaceutical Group in Quebec.
  • In 1996, McKesson Outsource Logistics is created to offer third party logistics to Canadian manufacturers in the pharmaceutical, healthcare and cosmetics industries.
  • In 1997, Medis Health and Pharmaceutical Services acquire the distribution services of Drug Trading Company.

The 21st Century: 2001 -

  • In 2002, the McKesson Canada name is adopted and a new brand is introduced. McKesson Canada provides integrated and innovative solutions to help pharmacists and healthcare providers meet the emerging challenges of the Canadian healthcare market.
  • In 2004, McKesson Specialty is created to develop services in the emerging specialty pharmaceutical market.
  • In 2004, McKesson Canada creates McKesson Logistics Solutions, a joint venture combining the assets of McKesson Outsource Logistics and Associated Logistics Solutions (ALS). McKesson Logistics Solutions offers expanded third party logistics and specialty services to manufacturers.
  • In 2004, McKesson Canada adds the PACMED line of high-speed unit dose packagers to its automation offering through a related asset acquisition of a Montréal-based provider.
  • 2005 marks the beginning of McKesson Canada's 100th anniversary — a celebration of our first century of service to Canada's healthcare industry.
  • In 2005, McKesson Canada purchases the assets of Phase 4 Health, a Canadian company that offers consulting, clinical trials and patient support services to the pharmaceutical industry.
  • In 2008, McKesson Canada acquires Groupe PharmEssor Inc. (owner of the PROXIM and ProxiMed brands) — a banner providing services to 270 independently-owned pharmacies.
  • In 2009, McKesson Canada enters into a formal partnership with the Nova Scotia Department of Health to provide residents of the province with a 24-hour, seven day a week Telecare service, HealthLink 811.