Thank you very much, Chair.
Welcome, Mr. Calkins.
Let me start by saying that I support natural health products. I've spoken to many constituents who expect that there are rules and regulations in place that ensure natural health products are safe, and that for the product they're buying, as for any other product they buy, whether it's food or other medications, there's a regulatory scheme in place that ensures Canadians with are safe with products.
My concern with this bill is that it undermines the safety of these products.
It is clear to me that if your bill were adopted, it would increase the risk of unsafe products remaining on the market. That would mean Canadians would be left in the dark without warning labels or the information available for them to make an informed decision on their health and the health of their families.
Let me give you an example. In September 2021, Health Canada found unsafe levels of methanol in a hand sanitizer. Methanol is poisonous to humans. Despite Health Canada's request for a recall, the company refused to comply and kept the product available for sale for months.
Do you think this is acceptable? How would the government ensure the safety of Canadians if your bill is to be adopted?