e-5128

Petition to the House of Commons in Parliament assembled

• Sections 500-504 of the Budget Implementation Act 2023 No. 1 (formerly Bill C-47) apply the Therapeutic Product Provisions to natural health products (NHPs);
• This inclusion imposes significant new fees, regulatory burdens, and gives Health Canada expanded powers over the NHP industry, potentially driving small and medium-sized NHP businesses out of operation, increasing costs to consumers, and reducing the availability of NHPs;
• The censorship of truthful health information and the imposition of excessive fines and penalties further exacerbate these issues;
• These changes threaten the survival of natural health practitioners and the products they rely on, negatively impacting the health and well-being of Canadians who depend on NHPs to manage their health;
• Bill C-368, An Act to amend the Food and Drugs Act (natural health products), aims to repeal sections 500-504 of Bill C-47, restoring appropriate regulatory measures that protect NHPs without subjecting them to the stringent and unsuitable requirements designed for chemical pharmaceuticals; and
• Natural health products are integral to the health and well-being of many Canadians, providing essential alternatives to conventional pharmaceuticals and supporting diverse health practices.