MPs of All Parties Make Clear Natural Health Products Rules “Number One Constituent Issue”
(OTTAWA – OCT. 30, 2023) – Today, the second significant Fall hearing on proposed new Health Canada Natural Health Products (NHPs) regulations took place on Parliament Hill. The House Standing Committee on Health again heard from Members of Parliament and witnesses that Health Canada’s proposals for regulatory changes for Natural Health Products are not supported by Canadians or industry.
In a significant move, industry leaders were called to the House of Commons Standing Health Committee to address Health Canada's forthcoming changes to regulations. The spotlight was on the proposed cost recovery and labeling guidelines, which experts warn could put hundreds of Canadian companies out of business and skyrocket consumer prices.
The Canadian Health Food Association (CHFA) was among those who appeared before the House of Commons Standing Committee on Health. Their primary message to Ottawa was clear: the negative consequences of over-regulation and lack of consultation will have severe unintended consequences. Health Canada needs to work with the industry on a full reset.
Aaron Skelton, President and CEO of CHFA, reaffirmed Canada's position as a global leader with its gold-standard regulatory framework for NHPs. He emphasized that the key to maintaining this status lies in regulating NHPs based on their risk levels, ensuring the health and safety of Canadians.
“While we agree that current regulations are vital for product safety and efficacy, the new proposed over-regulation will have the opposite effect,” said Skelton. “It will drive consumers towards unregulated international online markets that often offer completely unregulated lower-cost products, risking consumer safety.”
“How does that better protect Canadian consumers or benefit Canada in any way?” Skelton posed to the HESA Committee. “This Committee needs to send a strong formal message to Health Canada that the proposed cost and regulatory burden must stop. We need a formal reset.”
All Opposition party MPs highlighted the overwhelming consumer and stakeholder concern they have been hearing locally. MP Stephen Ellis, Vice Chair of the Committee, referenced vast feedback he and all MPs have received from constituents – literal "banker boxes" filled with postcards expressing their concerns about the proposed changes. Liberal MPs shared similar constituent feedback prior to the formal hearings.
Skelton concluded, “At a time where Canadians are looking for the most efficient way to spend every dollar they’ve got, this would make utilizing natural health products to support their health that much more challenging – all while leaving online international markets open for lower cost products who don’t have the same rigor and oversight, we’re so proud of here in Canada.”
Finally, CHFA also expressed appreciation for all Opposition MPs and from the Conservatives, the Bloc, and the NDP for voting to hold the hearings and have expert industry witnesses appear. CHFA also received numerous hopeful signals from Liberal MPs willing to broker a more balanced approach from Health Canada.
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About CHFA
The Canadian Health Food Association (CHFA) is Canada’s largest trade association dedicated to natural, organic and wellness products. As a national not-for-profit association, our members include manufacturers, retailers, wholesalers, distributors, and importers committed to getting more healthy living products into the hands of more Canadians.
For more information contact:
Hana Sabah
Communications Associate
hana@impactcanada.com | +1 514-834-8841