Letter to the Editor

As your Member of Parliament, I am writing to express my concern to the new Health Canada regulations on natural health products. While I appreciate the importance of ensuring public safety and health, these regulations appear to be a step in the wrong direction, threatening the access to vital natural health products that many Canadians rely on for their well-being.

Natural health products have been an integral part of traditional and alternative medicine for centuries, providing people with a range of options to complement their healthcare needs. They often offer more affordable and sustainable alternatives to conventional pharmaceuticals and have been trusted by individuals seeking holistic approaches to wellness.

The new regulations proposed by Health Canada introduce overly stringent requirements for natural health product manufacturers and distributors, which could lead to an unnecessary burden of compliance and an increase in production costs, and the closure of small business that rely on these products to keep the doors open. This very well could result in smaller companies being forced out of the market, limiting consumer choices and monopolizing the industry by large corporations.

Moreover, the extensive registration process for natural health products will significantly delay the availability of new products or innovations in the market, depriving Canadians of access to potentially beneficial remedies. It is essential to strike a balance between ensuring product safety and allowing timely access to products that may contribute to improving public health.

The proposed regulations will undermine the fundamental principle of self-care and personal responsibility. Canadians should have the right to make informed decisions about their health and well-being, including choosing the appropriate natural health products that align with their values and beliefs.

Rather than imposing stricter regulations, Health Canada should focus on educating the public about natural health products and empowering them to make informed choices. I am urging Health Canada to reconsider the proposed regulations on natural health products.

I have started a petition and encourage you to go to the link and sign it by August 8.

Link to the petition.

Rob Morrison,
MP Kootenay Columbia

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