Safeguarding Canada's Natural Health Products: How to Preserve Your Supplements

On June 22, 2023, bill C-47 passed. It is urgent that we take action now to stop Health Canada from taking our supplements. If you care about your access to preventative health care and natural products, write to your MP requesting them to repeal sections 500-504 from bill C-47

Canada's Federal Government is currently working on approving changes that will subject natural health products to excessive fees and monitoring processes. If these changes are implemented, it will result in an overwhelming amount of legislation for your beloved natural health brands, leading to inflated prices and limited availability for the products you cherish — if they manage to survive on Canadian store shelves at all.

Save Our Supplements: Taking Action to Protect Canada

It's Time to Take Action to Save Our Supplements

The Canadian Health Food Association (CHFA) is taking a proactive stance by urging Canadians to stand up for their access to natural health products through the Save Our Supplements campaign.


Now is the time to take action and make your voice heard before July 26, 2023. By utilizing the quick and convenient form provided by the SOS campaign, you can write a letter to your Member of Parliament (MP) and contribute to stopping these detrimental changes. Additionally, spread the word and encourage others to join the cause!

Understanding Natural Health Products (NHPs)

Natural health products, abbreviated as NHPs, are an essential part of Canadians' proactive self-care and wellness routines.


In Canada, a Natural Health Product Number should be found on your supplement labels. This eight-digit number will look like ‘NPN XXXXXXXX’ and is normally found in small print. This license is required to ensure the safety and efficacy of natural health products, and it’s also required for a brand to make health claims – which must be supported by proper evidence. Evidence to state claims may include clinical trial data or references to published studies, journals, pharmacopoeias, or traditional resources.

In order for a brand to make claims on its labels, they need to submit an application to provide the following information:
 

  • Medicinal ingredients
  • Source
  • Dose
  • Potency
  • Non-medical ingredients
  • Recommended uses

Under the Canadian Food and Drugs Act, natural health products must be classified as either food or a drug. Natural health products include vitamins and minerals, herbal remedies, homoeopathic medicines, traditional medicines, probiotics, and other products like amino acids and essential fatty acids. Health food products such as teas, herbs, protein, and greens powders do not require this number.

Examining the Proposed Changes

Currently, natural health products in Canada are regulated under the Natural Health Products Regulations (NHPR). Health Canada must approve all natural health products before they can legally be sold in the country, and each product label must display a Natural Product Number (NPN) or Homeopathic Medicine Number (DIN-HM).


These regulations were established in 2004 following extensive consultations, taking into account Canadians' desire for a regulatory framework tailored to the unique circumstances and low risk of natural health products. Remarkably, Canada remains the only country with dedicated regulations governing these products.

You will find an NPN number on all Enerex Supplements

Our supplement labels and claims are Health Canada approved

Our products are manufactured in GMP Certified Labs and third-party tested for precision, potency, and purity from contaminants like microbes, heavy metals, and pesticides

Anticipated Burdens

The new regulations will unduly burden numerous small and medium-sized businesses with excessive cost recovery fees and cumbersome, expensive labeling requirements. These labeling demands will necessitate larger packaging sizes for the same product quantity, reducing recyclability—contrary to the environmental goals embraced by many natural health enthusiasts.

71 percent of Canadians use natural health products as a component of their proactive health and well-being strategies

The majority of natural health businesses are small to medium-sized

Our natural health industry contributes more than 54,000 jobs across Canada

Save Our Supplements: Take Action to Protect Natural Health Products

How this will affect you

✅ Escalating Prices and Limited Availability

Just as inflation has already driven up the prices of the products you cherish and rely on, these proposed changes in Canada's natural health industry will further increase costs. They may even force your favourite brands out of the market entirely.

✅ Reduced product choices

Complying with the new, intricate, and expensive fees will compel brands to reassess their product lines, resulting in the discontinuation of products that are deemed too costly or unprofitable. Consequently, Canadians will have fewer products and brands to choose from when purchasing natural health items.

70% of brands in Canada admit they would need to pull products from the market if changes go through

1 in 5 natural health brands said they would seriously consider leaving Canada should the proposed regulations be approved

✅ Inhibited innovation

Aside from a diminished overall product selection, the burden imposed by these changes is likely to discourage exciting new products and deter international brands from entering the Canadian market.

✅ Local Businesses Left Behind

According to a recent survey, 83 percent of small businesses stated that they would be unable to afford the proposed costs. This means that small, local businesses will be priced out of the market.

✅ Increased Packaging and Waste

The other proposed changes will substantially increase the amount of packaging required for your favored natural health products, reducing recyclability and negatively impacting the environment in the process.

Make Your Voice Heard

Take action by contacting your Member of Parliament (MP) and let your voice be heard. Each individual's contribution matters, and by expressing your concerns and objections to these proposed changes, you can play a significant role in safeguarding your access to supplements and natural health products. Remember, your elected representatives are there to represent your interests, and by reaching out to them, you can ensure that they are aware of the importance of maintaining affordable and accessible natural health options for all Canadians.

Spread the Word

In unity, there is strength. Share this urgent message with your friends, family, and social networks to rally support and generate a groundswell of opposition against these damaging regulations. Inform them about the Save Our Supplements Campaign and encourage them to join the cause. By raising awareness and mobilizing a larger community, we can create a powerful movement that cannot be ignored.


Together, we can protect the thriving natural health sector that plays a vital role in the lives of millions of Canadians. By standing up for our right to choose and access high-quality natural health products, we can ensure that our well-being remains a priority. Let's show Health Canada that we are united in our commitment to preserving our supplements and natural health products.

Support Local and Sustainable

As we navigate these proposed changes, it's essential to remember the importance of supporting local businesses and sustainable practices. Many small and medium-sized enterprises in the natural health industry may face immense challenges due to the burdensome fees and requirements. By consciously choosing to purchase from local brands and producers, we can contribute to the resilience and growth of our communities.


Additionally, prioritize products and brands that embrace sustainable packaging solutions. Look for eco-friendly alternatives that minimize waste and have a positive impact on the environment. By making conscious choices, we can align our values with our purchasing decisions and create a more sustainable future for generations to come.

Embrace the Power of Natural Health

Natural health products have become an integral part of the lives of millions of Canadians, offering an alternative and complementary approach to wellness. They provide us with the tools to take charge of our health, promote holistic well-being, and support our proactive self-care journeys. By preserving our access to supplements and natural health products, we are advocating for our right to make informed choices about our well-being.


Remember the tremendous positive impact that these products have had on our lives. They contribute to our overall health and happiness, allowing us to lead fulfilling and balanced lifestyles. Let's ensure that future generations have the same opportunities by standing together and defending our access to the natural health products that have become a trusted part of our lives.


SOS Campaign Resources


When it comes to advocacy, there is power in numbers. To Save our Supplements, we need the strength of our industry. Get involved by downloading the SOS Action Kit


SOS Save Our Supplements

Have questions? Contact the CHFA by email at advocacy@chfa.ca

Nicole Eckert, CNP – Feel-Good Digital Marketing Manager at Enerex Botanicals

Nicole Eckert, CNP

Nicole is a Feel-Good Digital Marketer with a background in Holistic Nutrition. Her passion for vibrant wellness lead her into a position of marketing the wellness supplements that she grew to know and love. Nicole treasures the Enerex line and feels joy when curating content that supports the user in feeling good

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