07/08/2026
Why This Consultation Matters
This consultation is about more than the future of herbal practitioners—it is about protecting every Canadian's ability to choose the healthcare approach that best meets their individual needs.
Canadians benefit from access to both commercially manufactured Natural Health Products and individualized herbal medicines prepared by qualified practitioners. These are not interchangeable. They serve different purposes and work together to provide a broader range of healthcare options.
Individualized herbal medicines are formulated specifically for one person, taking into account their health history, current concerns, allergies, sensitivities, medications, therapeutic goals, and changing needs over time. To provide this level of care, practitioners require access to a diverse range of raw herbal materials and the ability to compound customized preparations. Commercial Natural Health Products, while valuable, cannot always meet these individualized requirements.
This consultation is ultimately about preserving choice, maintaining access to personalized care, and ensuring Canadians continue to have a full spectrum of herbal healthcare options available to them.
Over the coming days, the BCHA will be sharing easy-to-understand resources explaining the proposed changes, why they matter, and how you can participate in Health Canada's public consultation before July 12, 2026.
How You Can Help
1. Submit your comments to Health Canada by July 12, 2026.
Share your own experience and perspective on the importance of individualized herbal medicine. Personalized submissions are especially valuable. Template letters will be available shortly, but you do not need to wait—you are encouraged to write in your own words.
Email: [email protected]
2. Spread the word.
Share this information with colleagues, family, friends, clients, and your community. The more Canadians who understand the proposed changes and participate in the consultation, the stronger the public voice will be.
3. Contact your Member of Parliament.
Consider writing to or meeting with your MP to explain why access to individualized herbal medicine is important and encourage them to engage with Health Canada and the Minister of Health on this issue.
The link to Health Canada's public consultation is provided below.
Your voice matters. Every thoughtful and respectful submission helps demonstrate the value of preserving access to individualized herbal care and protecting Canadians' freedom to choose the healthcare options that best support their well-being. The NNHPD proposal is found here:
https://www.canada.ca/en/health-canada/services/drugs-health-products/natural-health-products/legislation-guidelines/guidance-documents/compounding-policy/policy-statement.html
and the link to the NNHPD government email address is found here:
https://www.canada.ca/en/health-canada/services/drugs-health-products/public-involvement-consultations/natural-health-products/compounding-raw-materials-policy.html
