moved for leave to introduce Bill C-404, An Act to amend the Excise Tax Act (natural health products).
Mr. Speaker, this bill is a very short bill. It simply would provide an exemption from the GST for natural health products, as defined in the regulations.
I would just note that a survey from March 2005 indicated that 71% of Canadians have used NHPs, 77% of Canadians believe NHPs can be used to promote health and 58% believe they can even be used to treat illness.
The bill would simply help people who are promoting their own health by taking vitamins and using nutritional products.
I note that the new food guide includes a recommendation of vitamin D to help with bone metabolism and calcium absorption. Vitamin D will even help in the mitigation of multiple sclerosis. Folic acid is well-known for reducing the risk of cardiovascular disease. A simple supplement like chromium can help with blood sugar metabolism.
The bill would help Canadians, who are investing in their own health, to accomplish that objective and would probably help the government accomplish its objective of reducing wait times because people who are healthy will not be in the wait lines.
I hope all members will find this an interesting bill and support this project to help all Canadians live a healthier life.
(Motions deemed adopted, bill read the first time and printed)