Preserving our Choice for Natural Health: Amending Bill C-51Preserving our Choice for Natural Health: Amending Bill C-51

19 May 2008

With more Canadians turning to holistic remedies to prevent and treat health issues, the market for Natural Health Products (NHPs) has rapidly expanded. Through various health-food retailers, pharmacists and practitioners, Canadians currently have the freedom to access a diverse assortment of NHPs that are safe and effective—but this may change with the passing of Bill C-51.

Bill C-51 was introduced in early April, 2008 by the Federal Government and proposed amendments to the Food & Drugs Act. The Bill could significantly impact the availability of NHPs. Although the Bill is not yet law, it is important that all Canadians are aware of the facts in order to make informed decisions.

What is Bill C-51?

Natural Health Products (NHPs) include vitamins, minerals, herbal and homeopathic remedies, traditional medicines and sports nutrition products, all of which are readily available through your local health-food retailers and naturopathic practitioners. Bill C-51 proposes that NHPs be categorized as Therapeutic Products. Together with drugs, medicinal devices, cells, tissues, organs and veterinary drugs, NHPs will be comparable to pharmaceutical drugs.

What does this mean for Canadians?

If Bill C-51 is legislated, NHPs will be labeled as Therapeutic Products and scrutinized with the same intensity as high-risk pharmaceutical drugs. Under the Food and Drugs Act, all Therapeutic Products, which would include NHPs, must be tested, reviewed and approved by Health Canada to ensure they are safe and effective. The process of approving Therapeutic Products is costly and time consuming and could lead to 75% of NHPs becoming unavailable.

What is the Alternative?

In the mid 1990s, the Standing Committee on Health concluded that NHPs are considered neither food nor drugs. The Committee proposed that NHPs have a separate definition and unique regulations under the Food and Drugs Act. As informed citizens, we can initiate change by vocalizing our concerns to our government and pushing for a separate category for NHPs.

What can you do?

	Educate Yourself Stay informed by familiarizing yourself with Bill C-51 and the effects it will have on the availability of NHPs. Visit the websites listed below for the complete version of Bill C-51 and learn about the steps you can take to prevent it from being passed. Parliament of Canada Canadian Health Food Association Natural Health Products Protection Association Voice Your Concerns with Members of Parliament Exercise your right to be heard by phoning your local Member of Parliament and Prime Minister’s offices: Stephen Harper: (613) 992-4211 and (403) 253-7990 Tony Clement: (613) 944-7740 and (705) 789-4640 For the contact number of any Member of Parliament, click on the following link: Members of Parliament Send a letter to any Member of Parliament or the Prime Minister stating your concerns about Bill C-51. For sample letters and postcards, visit the Canadian Health Food Association website, Canadian Health Food Association. Send all letters without postage to: [Member of Parliament] House of Commons Ottawa, Ontario K1A 0A6