Following Discussions with CHFA, Minister of Health Tables Important Amendments to Bill C-51
 

(TORONTO) June 16, 2008, Today, the Canadian Health Food Association (CHFA) is applauding the government for listening to the natural products (NHP) industry’s concerns regarding Bill C-51, an Act to amend the Food and Drugs Act and to make consequential amendments to other Acts, and subsequently tabling amendments which would place NHPs in a separate category in the proposed legislation.

“Since Bill C-51 was tabled in early April,” said CHFA CEO Penelope Marrett, “we’ve been working hard to make our members’ concerns known to the Minister of Health, the Parliamentary Secretary for Health, Opposition Health Critics as well as Health Canada officials."

“We are encouraged to see that the positive dialogue which we’ve had with Parliamentarians and other government officials will result in a significant step forward for our industry.”

Last Thursday in the House of Commons, the Minister of Health tabled a letter to the Chair of the Standing Committee on Health, which proposed government amendments to Bill C-51. The Bill is still being debated in Second Reading of the House of Commons and is expected to be referred to the House of Commons Standing Committee on Health very soon.

“This development demonstrates the importance of having industry work constructively with government,” said Marrett. “We look forward to being involved in the upcoming formal consultations related to this Bill as well as presenting before the Standing Committee on Health once it studies Bill C-51 in the fall. There is still much work to be done.”

For more information on CHFA and its activities related to amending Bill C-51, visit www.chfa.ca. 

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The Canadian Health Food Association (www.chfa.ca) is Canada’s largest national trade association dedicated to the natural and organic products industry. Our members represent the entire supply chain including growers, manufacturers, retailers, wholesalers, distributors, and importers involved in a variety of industry sub-sectors such as vitamin and mineral supplements, herbal products, homeopathics, sports nutrition products, natural and organic foods, fibres and health and beauty aids. CHFA member products support Canadians seeking optimal health and quality of life.

For more information or for interview requests, please contact:
 

Natalie Cajic
CHFA Communications
Tel: (416) 497-6939, ext. 234
Email: ncajic@chfa.ca