MARCH 30, 2023
9:00 AM–4:30 PM PT
RM 109–110
SESSION INFO
New Regulations Will Impact Your Business
The CHFA Regulatory Forum is back live in Vancouver. This year, there is a LOT on the agenda. With upcoming regulatory changes regarding plain language labelling for NHPs that will affect every facet of this industry, from the supplier to the retailer and ultimately the consumer, we’re using this time to fill you in on regulatory changes and how we can work together to advocate for this industry.
If you care about NHPs in Canada, this is the time to get involved.
Morning Sessions
Sponsored by: 
9:00–9:20 AM
State of the Union
Speakers: Aaron Skelton, President and CEO, Canadian Health Food Association & Huw Williams, President, Impact Public Affairs
CEO and President Aaron Skelton will be joined by Huw Williams of Impact Public Affairs to share important issues facing Canadians regarding the natural health, organic and wellness industries and will speak to CHFA’s ongoing work and upcoming priorities.
9:20–9:50 AM
Health Canada: Food and Drug Act Liaison Office, Health Canada
Speaker: Derrick Barnes, Director, Food and Drugs Act Liaison Office
The role of the Food and Drugs Act Liaison Office (FDALO) is to improve relations between external stakeholders and representatives of Health Canada, as well as to increase openness and transparency in the regulatory process.
Derrick will speak to this impartial and confidential resource for individuals, businesses and organizations when they experience problems with how Health Canada administers the Food and Drugs Act.
9:50–10:20 AM
Health Canada: Supplemented Foods, Health Canada
Speaker: Jeremy Fitchell, Manager, Policy & Regulatory Strategies
Health Canada published amendments to the Food and Drug Regulations (FDR) and Cannabis Regulations to include a regulatory environment for supplemented foods in July 2022. Health Canada is responsible for developing the Supplemented foods regulations. The Canadian Food Inspection Agency (CFIA) is responsible for enforcing them.
Health Canada has been busy engaging on many different things including a new Guidance Document. Jeremy will present the current updates on work being done on Supplemented Foods.
10:20–10:40 AM
NETWORKING BREAK
10:40–11:00 AM
Food Policy and Regulatory Affairs Program, University of Ottawa
Speaker: Dr. William Yan, Adjunct and part-time professor at the University of Ottawa and Former Director, Bureau of Nutritional Sciences, Food Directorate at Health Canada
The Food Policy and Regulatory Affairs is a non-credit professional development program designed with career-driven individuals in mind.
Participants benefit from a compressed part-time schedule to gain fundamental knowledge and develop the skills required to develop policies and regulations in the field of public health, food and nutrition. Dr. Yan will speak about the program and opportunities for the industry to hire interns with valuable regulatory training.
11:00 AM–12:00 PM
Natural and Non-prescription Health Products Directorate (NNHPD), Health Canada
Speaker: Natalie Page, Director General, Natural and Non-prescription Health Products Directorate (NNHPD)
The Natural and Non-prescription Health Products Directorate (NNHPD) authorizes natural health products and non-prescription drugs for sale in Canada. Over the last year, Health Canada has launched a number of regulatory initiatives and consultations on recent and upcoming regulatory changes. Natalie will present updates on Health Canada’s ongoing work and priorities.
12:00 –1:00 PM
COMPLIMENTARY LUNCH
Sponsored by:
Afternoon Sessions
Sponsored by:
1:00–1:45 PM
Natural Health Product Research Society – Panel on Funding Opportunities for Research
Moderator: Sharan Sidhu, Vice President, Scientific Research, Innovation and Laboratory Operations
The Natural Health Product Research Society promotes scientifically rigorous research and education on natural health products (NHPs), develop a national multi-sector research community, and support national research priorities that enable the informed and appropriate use of NHPs. The panel will focus on funding opportunities for research and types of research.
1:45–2:30 PM
Natural Health Products and US Market Trends
Guest Speaker: Dr. Stephen Daniells, PhD, Editor-in-Chief, North & South America, William Reed Business Media
Award-winning journalist from Chicago, Dr. Stephen Daniells is responsible for the editorial strategy of William Reed’s market-leading B2B publications across the Americas, covering the food (FoodNavigator-USA), nutrition (NutraIngredients-USA), cosmetics and pharmaceutical industries, including managing a geographically diverse team of journalists. With over 14 years of experience in Europe and the US, Stephen has a deep understanding of the US food, beverage, and dietary supplements industries and will share his insights on US market trends.
2:30–3:00 PM
NETWORKING BREAK
3:00–3:30 PM (CHFA members only)
Optimizing Advocacy
Guest Speaker: Sajjid Lakhani, Public Affairs Associate, Impact Public Affairs
Sajjid has extensive experience working with stakeholders, including community leaders, organizations, advocacy groups, businesses, unions, and elected officials from all levels of government. Before joining Impact, Sajjid worked for a Member of Parliament from British Columbia, was involved in several federal, provincial, and municipal election campaigns, and volunteered with Electoral District Associations. Sajjid will speak to the importance of advocacy and how to optimize it for maximal benefit.
3:30–4:30 PM (CHFA members only)
Member Q&A and Closing Remarks