Bill C-368: Safeguarding Natural Health Products in Canada  

By: By: Jackie Menzies Yarnton, PRINCIPAL REGULATORY CONSULTANT, email

In recent months, Canada has seen significant developments regarding the legislative landscape for natural health products (NHPs). Bill C-368, introduced by Red Deer-Lacombe MP Blaine Calkins, proposes amendments to the Food and Drugs Act that aim to exclude NHPs from being classified as therapeutic products. This legislative initiative is a response to growing concerns about the overregulation of natural health products and their inclusion under Vanessa’s Law.

What is Bill C-368?

Bill C-368 directly addresses sections 500 to 504 of the Budget Implementation Act (formerly Bill C-47), which sought to reclassify NHPs under the same regulatory framework as pharmaceutical drugs. The primary goal of this bill is to maintain the distinct regulatory status of NHPs, ensuring they are not subjected to the same stringent monitoring and approval processes that govern prescription and over-the-counter drugs.

This attempt to reclassify NHPs as part of a budget bill has raised concerns about transparency in the legislative process. Critics argue that such changes should undergo review by the appropriate committees rather than solely the finance committee. Many stakeholders express worries that regulating NHPs alongside chemical drugs may be unnecessary and could negatively impact both the industry and consumer choice.

Connection to Vanessa’s Law

Vanessa’s Law, named after Vanessa Young—who tragically died due to complications from a prescription drug—was originally established to set safety standards for prescription and over-the-counter drugs, vaccines, gene therapies, and medical devices. Notably, NHPs were initially excluded from this legislation.

The proposal to extend Vanessa’s Law to include NHPs has faced significant opposition from the natural health sector and consumers. Critics contend that this expansion fails to recognize the fundamental differences between NHPs and pharmaceutical drugs in terms of their nature, use, and associated risks.

Call to Action: Support Bill C-368

The future of natural health products in Canada is uncertain, and public engagement is essential. We encourage you to take action by visiting the following link to share your views on Bill C-368: Express Your Views.

Your perspective is vital—whether you are a consumer who values access to NHPs, a professional in the industry, or someone who believes in the importance of diverse healthcare options. Participating in this democratic process can help ensure that natural health products remain accessible, affordable, and appropriately regulated in Canada. The health choices of millions of Canadians depend on the outcome of this legislative discussion, and your voice can help shape the future of natural health in Canada.

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