Lunney Introduces Natural Health Products Bill

"Canadians deserve freedom in health choices," says MP

 FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE                                                          Thursday, March 20, 2003

 OTTAWA - Dr. James Lunney, MP for Nanaimo - Alberni, introduced a Private Member's Bill in the House of Commons today that would allow Canadians easier access to the natural health products they desire. "Canadians deserve the freedom to make their own health choices, and not to have those choices randomly curtailed by bureaucrats in Ottawa,² said Lunney afterwards.

 Bill C-420, entitled An Act to Amend the Food and Drugs Act, would define dietary supplements, herbs and other natural health products as food products, ensuring that natural health products are not arbitrarily classed as drugs and denied to Canadians without the scientific evidence to justify it. "Health food stores have been forced by government to remove products that are not harmful, denying people safe, natural ways to improve their health. That has to stop, "said Lunney. "In 1997 over one million Canadians sent a message to government demanding that government restore their freedom of choice and access to natural health products. This bill addresses their concerns."

The bill also repeals outdated regulations that prevent advertising natural products that could ameliorate a schedule of diseases or disorders.

 "This part of the legislation is extremely antiquated, and the weight of modern scientific evidence confirms the mitigation and prevention of many diseases and disorders through the use of natural health products. My hope is that all Members of Parliament will support this initiative enhancing freedom of choice and giving Canadians greater access to natural health products that build healthy bodies and therefore healthy Canadians," concluded Lunney.

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 For further information please contact:
Dr. James Lunney (613) 992-5243 or (250) 390-7550