Critical Thoughts

We have been fortunate enough to have knowledgeable and gifted writers working with us and supporting the movement in general. The following is a collection of open letters that we have gathered. They are directed toward the elected leaders in ridings across Canada, the Prime Minister and the Health Minister raising interesting talking points and concerns. Others still, are directed to the media and related governing bodies.

What Is An Open Letter?

An open letter is usually one of protest written for a person but intentionally widely distributed.
Open letters can be placed in newspapers, sent as “letters to the editor”, emailed through networks or posted in blogs. It is common practice to write critical open letters to political leaders.

Why Write An Open Letter?

These open letter’s were used to; state an opinion or position on the natural health issues surrounding our campaign; to start public dialogue around something that might be not be known
by the average Canadian; in an attempt prompt Canadian’s into action; to use humour as a teaching tool for a very heavy and complex subject; lastly, to make points about the absurdity
of the situation clear.

Open Letters

Open Letter: Bill C-6: Linda Anderson to the Senate, Prime Minister Harper and the Health Minister
By Linda Anderson
May 2009

As I started to read the material in BILL C-6, I was surprised at the poor quality and explanations found within. Its short title CANADIAN CONSUMER PRODUCT SAFETY ACT along with its interpretation lead to more questions than answers for me and I felt that such an obscure and poorly written piece of legislation would not even be brought to the House for reading.

Click here to view a PDF of the letter

Letter To The Editor: Health A Controlled Illness
Goeff Burton, Penticton, BC
April 2009

Recently, I heard Shawn Buckley speaking at the Cleland Theatre. He talked about Health Canada. As a constitutional lawyer, Mr.Buckley warns of the clear and present danger that is Parliamentary Bill C-6.

Click here to view a PDF of the letter

Letter To The Editor: Group Rallies for the Charter of Health Freedom
By Jane Shaak
September 2008

Dear Editor,
This is a response to the article "National campaign launched in support natural health products in the Sept 11, Herald, concerning the Charter of Health Freedom, its importance and its launch on Sept 10.

Click here to view a PDF of the letter

Open Letter: David Rowland to Tony Clement
By David Rowland
November 2008

During an all candidates' meeting last month, I stated that in the entire 50 year history of Canada's health food stores, there have been zero deaths from consuming products purchased in these stores. You took issue with this statement and stated publicly that you had to get involved because of deaths from consuming "toad venom".

Click here to view a PDF of the letter?

Open Letter: Helke Ferrie to Stephen Harper
by Helke Ferrie
June 2008

Dear Mr. Prime Minister,

The Globe & Mail has on its masthead the following statement made by an 18?century British political thinker known only by his nom de plume, Junius: "The subject who is truly loyal to the Chief Magistrate will neither advise nor submit to arbitrary measures." It is in this spirit that I am writing to you about the proposed bills C-51 and C-52.

Click here to view a PDF of this article

Open Letter: Public Letter Calling for a Public Inquiry into Health Canada
By Shawn Buckley
August 2006

I am writing this letter on behalf of the Synergy Group of Canada Inc. ("Synergy") and Truehope Nutritional Support Ltd ("Truehope"). The purpose of this letter is to seek:
1. a meeting with you to discuss the issues raised in this letter, and
2. a public inquiry into the actions of Health Canada

Click here to view a PDF of this article

Insider Commentaries

Decision Letter: Strauss vs Health Canada (Yohimbe Bark)
By Shawn Buckley
November 2008

Read about the decision made in a Canadian court about a case that sets a bizarre and surreal precident, that now has Health Canada be able to list plants as prescription drugs. The implications of this loss are far reaching and frightening.

Click here to view a PDF of this article

Commentary: Bill C-51: Brook No Moderation
By Ben Tucker
November 2008

By now, many people in the Natural Health Product (NHP) community are pulling their hair out over Bill C-51, An act to amend the Food and Drugs Act. They worry about problematic definitions in the bill, increased powers of the Inspectorate, increased fines and lack of respect for Constitutionally-guaranteed rights. They worry how this bill, if passed, will affect their access to the products and treatments they rely on for their health. They use words like ‘undemocratic,’ ‘fascist’ and ‘police state.’…

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Commentary: Recent Developments re: C51 & NHP Industry
By Richard DaSylva
November 2008

While the Canadian election has come and gone, substantial problems still remain with the natural health products industry and the federal government’s intentions to regulate this business.

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Commentary: Elections 2008: Restoring The Health Of The Nation
By Helke Ferrie
October 2008

On September 10 the Canadian Charter of Heath Freedom was launched by lawyer Shawn Buckley, president and co-founder of the Natural Health Products Protection Association which coordinated the national resistance to the Harper government's proposed bills C-51 and C-52.

Click here to view a PDF of this article

Research Abstract: The Canadian Natural Health Products Regulations:
Industry Perceptions And Compliance Factors
By Hina Laeeque, Heather Boon, Natasha Kachan, Jillian Clare Cohen and Joseph D'Cruz
May 2006

In conclusion, the majority of NHP companies in the study are complying with the NHP regulations to varying degrees. Participants agree with the goal of the NHPD and the need for regulations. Compliance with the Regulations is associated with firm size as well as knowledge of the Regulations. That is, large firms that are familiar with the set of laws are more likely to comply with the Regulations. These findings suggest that smaller firms may exit the industry, leading to industry consolidation in Canada. (bold ours)

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