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What is the Charter of Health Freedom?

by Lorna Hancock

Maybe by now, you have heard about the Charter of Health Freedom and are wondering what it is?

A bit of background... government has repeatedly asked natural health consumers what we want for natural health products, and we've repeatedly said "We want natural health products to be treated separately, differently, than drugs. We want them to be legislatively protected, and appropriately regulated, so that all of our choices can be there for us." The opposite has happened, and most recently, we were introduced to Bills C51 & C52, which stirred up so much angst that tempers have run hot.

Without getting into that debate again, we feel that the Charter of Health Freedom solves disharmony between industry, government and the public. It offers a respectful solution, and could set a precedent for the world.   It also needs 3,000,000 signatures on a petition. We hope you can help.

Here are some questions and answers about it, which were taken from the Charter website at www.charterofhealthfreedom.org. 

If this Charter is for "health freedom", does that mean Canadians are losing their freedom to choose right now?  Yes, it does. Since 2004, when the regulations were introduced by the Natural Health Products Directorate (Health Canada), many small and medium manufacturers (of excellent, safe products) could not compete and have closed their businesses, taking their products with them. Their only crime was not being big enough to sustain inappropriate and overzealous regulations. And how about all those excellent American products we are so happy to buy here? American companies, unhappy with the regulatory environment in Canada, have withdrawn their products, amounting to over 20,000 so far. These are excellent natural health products that you can no longer choose. So,yes. Canadians are losing their freedom to choose right now.

Critics have said that there are people who don't want regulations?  How does the Charter fit with regulations?  To not have regulations is rather illogical in today's day and age. What is important are appropriate regulations for the natural health industry. The regulations that exist today are inappropriate and overzealous.

The government wants to ensure that issues of safety, and protection of the public, are covered. Does this Charter address these?  In the case of natural health products, it ensures that what is on the label is in the bottle, as well as addresses quality control issues and more. It will also work to ensure that the regulations that surround natural health practitioners are honest and fair, and safe.

I am interested in being an Ambassador for this Charter. How can I be involved?
Register your email address at www.charterofhealthfreedom.org. This will put you on our contact list for information, and keep you informed.

HELP the Charter of Health Freedom RAISE THE 3,000,000 SIGNATURES THAT ARE NEEDED TO BRING THIS TIMELY CHARTER INTO LEGISLATION.

by Lorna Hancock - the Executive Director of Health Action Network Society (HANS).

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