Thank you, Mr. Chair.
Thank you to our expert witnesses for being here today. We appreciate your perspectives on this very important debate that we're having at the health committee on regulations for natural health products. As you know, what we decide at this committee with Bill C-224 will impact the choices and daily lives of millions of Canadians who use natural health products every day.
Of course, products such as vitamin D, vitamin C, multivitamins, magnesium, calcium, iron, prenatal vitamins, melatonin, probiotics, omega-3s, fish oil, fibre supplements, herbal remedies and traditional and cultural medicines, and even things like fluoride toothpaste, anti-dandruff shampoo, antiperspirants and other medicated personal care products are very common. What their future is in Canada is being debated during this committee meeting today and will be in the weeks to come. Certainly, many of us who rely on Canadian brands specifically—and, of course, on products regulated and sold in Canada—will be impacted.
The Conservative team is very concerned that without the passage of Bill C-224, the Canadian health industry will suffer, to the benefit of the American economy. Our goals are to ensure that our Canadian industry continues to thrive and that Canadians have agency over their health and the freedom to choose how they will maintain it.
My first questions are for Ms. Parmar.
There seems to be a bit of sentiment out there from some corners of this debate that natural health products aren't regulated or are not well regulated. Of course, we know that couldn't be further from the truth.
Ms. Parmar, could you share with the committee how natural health products are regulated in Canada? In brief, what process is there for getting your product onto a shelf, for example?