What Does Bill C-368 Really Do?
Bill C-368, introduced by MP Blaine Calkins, is a critical step towards restoring regulatory fairness for the natural health industry. Its main objective is to reverse the harmful changes made under Bill C-47, Canada’s 2023 Budget Bill. Specifically, sections 500-504 of Bill C-47, drastically changed how natural health products (NHPs) are regulated, imposing stricter pharmaceutical-like regulations on the industry without proper parliamentary review.
What Bill C-368 DOES Do:
- Restores the status quo for natural health products by repealing sections 500-504 of Bill C-47, which moved natural health products into the same category as over-the-counter pharmaceuticals, called “therapeutic products”.
What Bill C-368 DOES NOT Do:
- It does not address the broader Self-Care Framework, which is still a major threat to the natural health industry. The Self-Care Framework aims to harmonize the regulation of NHPs and over-the-counter chemical drugs, imposing stricter rules and costs.
- It does not affect cost recovery measures, which will still impose heavy fees on NHP manufacturers, and is expected to raise prices for consumers.
- It does not resolve issues with NPN (Natural Product Number) licensing, a complex and restrictive system that continues to create barriers for product innovation and market entry.
Bill C-368 represents a historic effort in Parliament, as it passed second reading in May of this year, a rare feat for a Private Member’s Bill. It will now move on to the Standing Committee on Health for further review.
Why This Matters:
While Bill C-368 doesn’t solve every issue facing the natural health industry, it’s an extremely important step in pushing back against harmful over-regulation and restoring some balance. It’s a direct response to the sweeping changes made under Bill C-47, but more work is needed to tackle the broader threats posed by the Self-Care Framework and other initiatives.
If you value access to natural health products and fair regulations, sign the e-petition in support of Bill C-368 and join us in making lasting change for Canada.
Sign The Petition
