Dear Prime Minister,
Your leadership comes at a critical time for our country, and we look forward to working with your government to advance policies that support Canadian businesses, protect consumer choice, and strengthen economic growth. As Canada’s largest trade association dedicated to natural health, organic and wellness products, CHFA is committed to representing our members and the industry on proposed regulatory changes that will influence consumer health choices, and directly influence the natural, organic and wellness industry. Our membership base consists of over 1,300 businesses across Canada, including manufacturers, retailers, wholesalers, distributors and importers of wellness products, including a variety of natural health products.
I am writing to bring to your immediate attention a pressing issue that has been ignored under the leadership of Minister Mark Holland—the Save Our Supplements (SOS) campaign. This is the largest grassroots movement Canada has seen in decades, with millions of Canadians calling for fair regulatory policies for the natural health products (NHP) industry. Yet, Minister Holland has dismissed these concerns, choosing instead to smear Canadian businesses rather than support them. His actions are needlessly costing your party significant voter support at a time when Canadians are demanding real solutions.
A key issue at the center of this movement is Health Canada’s proposed cost recovery program. Despite widespread opposition from industry and consumers, Health Canada remains intent on proceeding with this program. The financial burden it imposes is unsustainable—Canadian businesses face exorbitant fees, while U.S. competitors exploit loopholes that allow them to bypass these costs entirely. A mid-sized Canadian supplement company with 400 products could be forced to pay $500,000 in annual fees under this new model, while U.S. businesses operating through the 90-day import loophole pay nothing.
Adding to this challenge, newly proposed U.S. tariffs and retaliatory measures threaten to further destabilize the industry. For over five years, we have warned that Canada’s regulatory approach puts our businesses at a severe disadvantage, and with additional trade barriers looming, the risks are even greater. Canada is on the verge of losing control of its own supplement market to foreign competitors. Meanwhile, escalating tariffs will drive up costs, fuel inflation, and disrupt supply chains—negatively impacting businesses and consumers alike.
It is important to recognize that Health Canada’s cost recovery program is not about improving public health or safety—it is a revenue-generating measure designed to sustain government staffing levels. The Canadian NHP industry already contributes millions in tax revenue through GST/HST. If businesses are forced to shut down or relocate, that revenue will be lost entirely, leaving consumers with fewer choices and greater risks as they turn to unregulated international sources.
We urge your government to take immediate action by halting the implementation of cost recovery and working with industry to develop a fair regulatory framework. A balanced approach is possible—one that ensures Canadian businesses remain competitive while maintaining the highest standards for consumer health and safety.
Please find this infographic outlining our proposed solutions. We would welcome the opportunity to discuss this further at your earliest convenience.
Sincerely,
Aaron Skelton
President & CEO
Canadian Health Food Association
