Your Participation is Important!
A controversy has been developing in Canada and globally that has a lot of people concerned about the restriction and sale of natural health products and how this might affect their lives.
In Canada, Bill C-51 would essentially replace the word "drug" with "therapeutic product," a blanket definition that would bring all natural products, food, and cosmetics into the same category as pharmaceutical drugs and make them subject to the same regulations.
Bill C-51 was introduced to the House of Commons April 8 and the second reading took place on April 28 barely giving people or affected group's time to examine, debate, and respond.
"Requiring natural products to undergo costly clinical trials would effectively eliminate them from therapeutic use since natural products, unlike patented manufactured drugs, don't create enough profit to cover the cost of the trials", says Naturopathic practitioner, Dr. Robert Ewing.
On the weekend I read Bill C-51 and researched what others were saying. One could presume, after reading the Bill that this legislation was to ensure the protection of any harmful substances being introduced into the marketplace; which is important. But, to my understanding, a couple of fundamental elements seemed to be missing. This legislation does not detail some of the very important guidelines, definitions or timelines. It seems to give Canada's government unbridled rights and there doesn't seem to be any provision for appeal if an analyst/inspector deems a product to be unsafe. And, more important, there are no guidelines for the qualifications of the analyst/inspector.
I urge you to become aware of this Bill as it may personally affect your right to choose. Be proactive, do a little homework, and sign the petition below. It is crucial to change the manner in which this Bill is written to protect the public and give fair representation to the Natural Products industry in a transparent manner. We need to act quickly as the Second Reading still provides an opportunity for consultation with experts to provide information for improving the bill.
With concern and caution ~ Deborah
Here are links for you visit for more information:
The Bill: http://www2.parl.gc.ca/HousePublications/Publication.aspx?Language=E&Parl=39&Ses=2&Mode=1&Pub=Bill&Doc=C-51_1&File=27#1
The Petition: http://www.thepetitionsite.com/1/StopC51
EDUCATION - Others Helpful Links:
http://www.chfa.ca/default.asp?action=article&ID=353
http://www.chfa.ca/media/pdf_files/backgrounder%20on%20bill%20c-51%20(amendments%20to%20the%20food%20and%20drugs%20act).pdf
http://www.newmediaexplorer.org/chris/2008/04/27/bills_c51_c52_more_regulations_to_protect_us_of_course.htm
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