In the news of late, we hear about protests from groups and many members of the public about Bill C-51 - a federal legislation amending the Food and Drugs Act. Currently, people have the opportunity to express their concerns and propose amendments to Bill C-51.
Naturopathic doctors have a minimum of 7 years of post-secondary education in medical, naturopathic and clinical sciences. NDs are leaders in natural health care with extensive knowledge and training in the use of all natural health products, including those regulated by the Natural Health Products Directorate. Reducing access to natural health products will reduce the care that NDs are able to provide to their patients.
As a ND I support regulations that ensure the products I recommend to my patients are safe, effective and of high quality. If I am unable to access products appropriate for treatment my patients’ health is put at risk.
My concerns regarding Bill C-51 include the following:
• The term “therapeutic product” is unclear and inappropriately places natural health products in the same category as pharmaceutical products.
• The present definition of “practitioner” excludes naturopathic doctors from access to natural substances that are or may, at the Ministers discretion, be designated prescription therapeutic products.
• Under our regulated Scope of Practice, naturopathic doctors compound, sell and dispense product to patients. The definitions of “sell” and “controlled activity” under C-51 differ from the definitions used in provincial legislation and significantly impact my ability to practice.
In my professional opinion we need a regulatory framework that implements a third category for natural health products as outlined in the 53 recommendations brought forward by the Standing Committee on Health in 1998.
This is a great website that provides futher information regarding this Bill.
http://commonground.ca/iss/202/cg202_bill_C-51.shtml
What can you do?
It is important that your voice be heard now as time is of the essence.
Write a letter to the federal Minister of Health (Hon. Tony Clement) and your MP expressing your concerns. Letters drafted by both the Naturopathic Canadian and provincial associations can be used as a template for concerned patients and individuals. A copy of the template is below and can be edited, mailed, faxed or emailed to the Minister of Health and your MP.
Find out who your MP is and his/her contact information from this website:
http://www2.parl.gc.ca/Parlinfo/Compilations/HouseOfCommons/MemberByPostalCode.aspx?Menu=HOC
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SAMPLE LETTER FOR PATIENTS ON BILL C-51
Insert Date
Insert name of M.P. and Address
Dear (insert name of MP)
I am writing to you (insert as one of your constituents) to express my concerns about Bill C-51 and the impact it will have on the ability of my naturopathic doctor (ND) to treat my health concerns safely and effectively.
As an informed patient I have chosen to be treated by a naturopathic doctor utilizing natural therapies and substances to ensure optimal health. I would like some assurances that my choice to see a naturopathic doctor will not be negatively affected by Bill C-51.
I have the following questions:
1. Will Bill C-51 exclude my ND from having access to all the products he/she needs to treat all my health concerns?
2. Will Bill C-51 result in fewer natural health products being available in the Canadian marketplace?
3. Will inspectors have the ability to enter premises under the search and seizure provisions without a warrant or a judge’s approval?
I support the need for regulation that ensures that the products recommended by my ND are safe and effective but I do not support legislation that treats natural health products in the same manner as pharmaceutical products. Now would be an excellent time for the government to implement a third category for Natural Health Products as was recommended by the Standing Committee on Health in 1998.
I appreciate your attention to this important matter and would welcome the opportunity to speak to you about my concerns. I can be contacted at (insert phone number).
Sincerely,
(Your name)
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