97.13EM Codex International Threat To Health Freedom
Whereas, the majority of Canadians today are taking more responsibility for their own health and wellness, i.e. 80% of the world uses herbal medicine in primary health care; and
Whereas, our population is aging, and more and more people are experiencing degenerative diseases such as arthritis, heart disease, and cancer for which current medical practices do not have the answer and certain herbal treatments have been found effective; and
Whereas, other countries, including the USA, recognize the value of alternative and complementary forms of health care; and
Whereas, the CODEX proposal which the Government of Canada is considering will restrict the use of Vitamins, Minerals, and Herbs being obtainable only in pharmacies by prescription from physicians who may be untrained in this type of treatment; and
Whereas, in Germany and Norway, because of CODEX regulations, the entire health food industry has been taken over by the drug companies, the cost to the consumer has risen 16 to 18 times that of the United States; and
Whereas, proposed changes would result in higher costs for consumers, some drugs could be unaffordable and lead to the loss of benefit from these drugs. The Health Plan would be overburdened because of the higher prices for prescription drugs; and
Whereas, the current regulations are outdated and should be amended after consultation with those affected, e.g., practitioners, manufacturers, retailers of consumer drugs; therefore be it
Resolved, that the National Council of Women of Canada request the Government of Canada to:
- immediately impose a moratorium on the enforcement of newly imposed restrictions and user fees on natural health products, including herbs;
- not proceed with the proposed implementation of additional restrictions and user fees;
- strongly oppose the attempts to restrict access to nutritional supplements in Canada and around the world by multi-national corporations and the CODEX Commission;
- immediately conduct public hearings across Canada to review these important health issues.