Federal Bill C-368 aims to repeal sections of the Budget Implementation Act which redefined Natural Health Products (NHPs) and subjected the NHP industry to heightened regulation and excessive fines without appropriate consultation, debate, or deference to previous recommendations made by the Standing Committee on Health in their 1998 report, Natural Health Products: A New Vision.
CARB-TCMPA has issued a letter in support of Bill C-368 as it reaffirms the appropriate differentiation between pharmaceutical drugs and NHPs. As noted in the Standing Committee’s report, “NHPs are different in nature from and must not be treated strictly as either food or pharmaceutical products.” Moreover, while NHPs must meet safety and quality standards just like other regulated products, the Standing Committee noted that “NHP regulations must not unduly restrict access by consumers” or “place inappropriate cost on industry, consumers, and government.” The Standing Committee also highlighted the importance of respect for diverse cultural traditions when considering the regulatory framework for NHPs. Within this context, Bill C-368 is essential to ensure that the regulation of NHPs remains in alignment with the unique needs and composition of the industry and that changes to the regulatory framework do not negatively impact product affordability and patient access to care.
Read CARB-TCMPA’s letter to Members of Parliament across Canada.