The authorization issued by a provincial College of Pharmacists that permits a particular pharmacy to operate. Depending on the province, it may be called a Certificate of Accreditation, a pharmacy licence, or a pharmacy permit. The College must generally approve the corporate ownership structure before granting it, and any change in ownership must be reported within a prescribed period (often 30 days).
If a will or share transfer puts voting control of a pharmacy corporation in the hands of someone the College cannot recognize — typically a non-pharmacist — the College can refuse to renew or can suspend the Certificate of Accreditation until compliant control is restored, which can force a sale under distress conditions.