CHFA Comments on Health Canada’s Ten Year Plan to Strengthen Health Care in Canada

On May 28, 2008, the
Canadian Health Food Association (CHFA) appeared before the House of Commons
Standing Committee on Health with respect to their study on the statutory
review of the 10 Year Plan to Strengthen Health Care.

"Canadians have demonstrated their strong desire to have access and choice
in their goal of achieving optimal health and well-being through enhanced self
care practices," explained CHFA Vice-President & Head of Regulatory
Affairs, Anne Wilkie. "Natural Health Products and Organic Products are an
important part of this regime."

While CHFA commends the
government for their timely implementation of some of the 53 recommendations
from the 1998 Standing Committee on Health's report, Natural Health Products: A
New Vision, the association feels that there is still more work to be done!
CHFA has met with numerous Members of Parliament and officials over the last
few weeks, including testifying before the House of Commons Standing Committee
on Health and meeting with the Parliamentary Secretary to the Minister of
Health, to discuss current challenges with the interpretation and implementation
of the NHP Regulations.

In order to ensure that consumers have uninterrupted access to safe, effective
and innovative products at a reasonable cost, CHFA advocates that the
government review the current regulatory environment for natural health products
in an efficient, effective and equitable manner.

CHFA's recommendations to the Committee yesterday included:

* That the federal government become Canada's national leader in
promoting a healthy lifestyle; increasing public awareness of the benefits of
prevention, wellness and self-care, including information on the benefits of
natural products.

* That the federal government encourage research that further defines the
benefits of prevention, wellness and self-care with respect to health
optimization and risk reduction.

* That the federal government act as an International Ambassador for a
wellness-centred model of health management.

* That the federal government promote the benefits of organics as an option for
Canadians seeking optimal health and well-being.

"The federal government must provide a strong framework for Canada in
health promotion and disease prevention," said Wilkie. "Canadians
expect this from their federal government. Let's be sure that this opportunity
is not lost — all Canadians will greatly benefit from this wellness
approach."

For more information on the NHP and Organics industry, visit www.chfa.ca

The Canadian Health Food Association (www.chfa.ca) is Canada's
largest national trade association dedicated to the natural health products and
organic products industry. Our members represent the entire supply chain including
growers, manufacturers, retailers, wholesalers, distributors, and importers
involved in a variety of industry sub-sectors such as vitamin and mineral
supplements, herbal products, homeopathics, sports nutrition products, natural
and organic foods, fibres and health and beauty aids. CHFA member products
support Canadians seeking optimal health and quality of life.