How CHFA’s Save Our Supplements Campaign is Making a Global Impact

The goal is to push back against excessive regulations in the natural health product (NHP) industry, ensuring Canadians continue to have access to safe, effective NHPs while fostering industry innovation and global leadership.

The campaign's impact has been undeniable, earning CHFA recognition as one of the 25+ key influencers shaping health policy on Parliament Hill, as named by The Hill Times. This momentum has now reached an international stage. In February, the International Alliance of Dietary/Food Supplement Associations (IADSA) hosted a conference in Washington, DC, where Sonia and Jules were invited to share the success of the SOS campaign, its strategic approach, and the lessons other countries can take from Canada’s experience.

We spoke with Sonia to get her insights on the presentation and what this means for the future of Canada’s NHP industry. Here’s what she had to say: 

1. For those of us who might not know, what is IADSA? 

IADSA, the International Alliance of Dietary/Food Supplement Associations, is the leading global federation representing the dietary supplement sector. It brings together national associations and industry leaders worldwide to promote science-based regulation, consumer access, and fair policies. Their global expertise and leadership are essential in tackling regulatory challenges together to find long-term, sustainable solutions.

2. It must have been an incredible honour for you and Jules to be invited to present on CHFA’s SOS campaign. What were the key insights you shared during your talk?

Our presentation on Canada’s SOS campaign focused on the critical lessons we’ve learned in fighting for fair regulation of natural health products (NHPs). We highlighted: 

IADSA recognized CHFA’s efforts as a gold standard for regulatory advocacy, reinforcing that our campaign is shaping global discussions on how to respond to overreach and protect consumer access. 

3. Congratulations on this well-deserved recognition! It’s also interesting to see that other countries are navigating similar regulatory shifts. Did you receive any notable questions or feedback from the audience? How did they respond to your presentation? 

Yes, there was a lot of engagement, particularly around the impact of Canada’s regulatory changes on industry competitiveness and they were very interested in the costs and results of the campaign. Many international partners were surprised at how quickly these changes were introduced and the lack of consultation. Others shared similar experiences from their own countries and wanted to learn more about our strategy.

A key takeaway was that Canada is not alone in facing these regulatory challenges. There was a strong consensus that our campaign’s success could inspire and inform advocacy efforts in other markets.

4. How do you see the global implications of your work?

The world is watching Canada. If excessive oversight and cost-prohibitive regulations are implemented here, it could encourage other countries to follow suit, restricting access to natural health products globally. On the other hand, if we successfully push back, it sets a precedent for balanced regulation that supports both consumer safety and industry innovation. 

Canada was once a leader in this space, and we still have an opportunity to reclaim that position. IADSA’s recognition of our advocacy efforts reinforces that our work matters on a global scale.

5. What’s next from here in terms of the SOS campaign? 

We are moving into a critical phase of the campaign, with several key initiatives: 

With an upcoming federal election on the horizon in Canada, advocacy is more important than ever. Election periods are a time when political parties and candidates are listening to voters. We need to ensure that the issue of natural health product regulation is front and center. Our focus will be on:

We’re making progress, but the fight isn’t over. Continued pressure is essential.

6. Anything else you want to add?

I want to emphasize that advocacy works. CHFA’s efforts are being recognized not just in Canada but internationally. IADSA’s acknowledgment of our campaign as a model for effective industry advocacy reinforces that we are on the right path. 

Now, more than ever, we need everyone—industry, consumers, and policymakers—to stay engaged. The future of natural health products in Canada depends on it.

Get Involved to Save Our Supplements:  

Here are three ways you can show your support:   

Learn more at saveoursupplements.ca.