alive EditorialThe Federal Government is working to approve changes that will see natural health products become subject to heavy fees and monitoring processes. If approved, this will suffocate your favourite natural health brands in red tape, leading to skyrocketed prices for the products you love—that is, if they are able to survive on store shelves in Canada at all. Taking an industry lead, the Canadian Health Food Association (CHFA) is urging Canadians to stand up for their access to natural health products through the Save Our Supplements campaign. Get involved and take action right now—before July 26, 2023—to stop these changes by writing a letter to your Member of Parliament (MP) with this quick and easy form from the SOS campaign. Then, spread the word!
What are NHPs?
NHPs is an acronym for natural health products, which Canadians use every day as part of their proactive self-care and wellness routine. NHPs include a wide range of products, such as vitamins, minerals, probiotics, omega-3s, fibre, collagen, herbal remedies, and certain topical products, including toothpaste, sunscreen, shampoos, deodorant, and hand sanitizers.
A closer look at the changes
Right now, natural health products are regulated in Canada under the Natural Health Products Regulations (NHPR). All natural health products must be approved by Health Canada before they are legally allowed to be sold in Canada and provide a Natural Product Number (NPN) or Homeopathic Medicine Number (DIN-HM) on the product label—so Canadians can feel confident that the products they use are safe, effective, and high quality.
These regulations, which came into effect in 2004, were developed following extensive consultations that reflected the desire of Canadians for a regulatory framework appropriate for the unique circumstances and low risk of natural health products. Almost 20 years on, and Canada is still the only country that has a dedicated set of regulations governing natural health products.
But all of this is set to change.
New regulations will completely over-burden many small and medium-sized businesses with unreasonable cost recovery fees and cumbersome, expensive labelling requirements. These labelling requirements will double packaging sizes (for the same amount of product) and reduce recyclability—contrary to the environmental goals of many natural health enthusiasts.
Natural health products are a huge part of Canada
- 71 percent of Canadians use natural health products as part of their proactive health and well-being.
- The natural health sector is a $5.5 billion industry that contributes $2.8 billion in taxable revenue.
- 8 in 10 natural health companies are small to medium sized.
- The natural health industry contributes 54,000 jobs across Canada.
What this means for you
Increased prices and lack of availability
Just when you thought inflation had pushed the prices of the products you love and depend on to dizzying highs, these proposed changes to Canada’s natural health industry will cause price increases. They may even push your favourite brands out of the marketplace all together.
Decreased product choice
Meeting the new complicated and hefty fees will force brands to re-evaluate their product line, dropping products that are too expensive or unprofitable.
- A recent survey of more than 70 percent of brands in Canada said they would have to pull product from market if changes go through.
- 1 in 5 natural health brands said they would seriously consider leaving Canada should the proposed regulations be approved.
All of this means there will be fewer products and brands for Canadians to choose from when purchasing natural health products.
Stifled innovation
In addition to a smaller selection of products overall, the burden proposed by these changes will likely scare exciting new products and international brands away from Canada.
No love for local
In a recent survey, 83 percent of companies said they wouldn’t be able to meet the proposed costs. This will translate to small, local businesses being priced out of the market.
More packaging and more waste
The other recently proposed changes will significantly increase the amount of packaging required for your favourite natural health products, reducing recyclability and adversely impacting the environment in the process.
Act now!
Protect your access to supplements and other natural health products.
Make your voice heard
Tell your Member of Parliament (MP) before July 26, 2023, to stop Health Canada from taking your natural health products. Send a letter to your MP now—it takes less than two minutes!
Spread the word
There is power in numbers, so let’s get talking. Tell your friends, family, and social networks to stop Health Canada from taking away our natural health products. For resources that can help build awareness in your community, download the SOS campaign’s Action Kit.
Have questions?
Contact the CHFA by email at advocacy@chfa.ca.
alive Editorial
Amanda Modaragamage
Nancy Hillis
Ishita Wilson
Mia Barnes