Bill C-51 or making Alternative Drugs as accountable as real drugs
Ian | 12 June, 2008 | 22:45There has been an incredible grass-roots protest against the Canadian federal government’s attempt to pass Bill C-51, or the amendments to the Canada Food and Drug Act. In Health Minister Tony Clement’s words:
Bill C-51 does not target natural health products; it also covers products including drugs, medical devices, cells and tissues and organs, vaccines and veterinary drugs. The Bill provides crucial updates to the Food and Drug Act, which had not been updated in about 50 years. It also does not include any changes to the Natural Health Products Regulations, which have been in force since January 1, 2004. Moreover, the intention of the Bill and Regulations is to facilitate access to safe and effective natural health products, for all Canadians who desire them.
The legislation aims ensure that tainted products are found and recalled, that what is on the label is actually in the bottle, and that health claims are supported by evidence. My department often issues warnings about mislabelled products or products that have serious adverse reactions. For example, diethylene glycol was found in fluoridated toothpaste, and incorrect ingredients that could cause liver damage were found in Black Cohosh products. We have also seen cases where a natural health product makes a completely unfounded health claim- the ability to cure cancer or SARS, for example. In addition, the increasing import of products and ingredients from foreign countries will require oversight to assure product safety and quality for Canadians. [Emphasis added]
The movement against the bill is being led (although they don’t admit anywhere on their website) by the company Truehope. A good summary article of this situation was published by Skeptic magazine. They allege that Truehope is running an “astroturf” marketing campaign, by drumming up local support by faking being a major victim here.
The issue to me is that currently in Canada these companies are subject to minor fines ($5,000 max) and no real penalities for LYING or cheating their customers out of $75 per bottle (the cost of Truehopes Empower Plus). Bill C-51 is NOT going to send government officials into your home to steal your Vitamin C (that would violate our charter rights and you could appeal any charges to the supreme court).
Naturapathic companies are afraid of this bill because it is a step to making them actually accountable for their claims. And the facts are they just can’t live up to that.
So please, take the time and actually question, who has more to lose/gain with Bill C-51 “Big Pharma” or “Big Natura”?
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