News Release
2011-163
December 05, 2011
For immediate release
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TORONTO - Dr. Colin Carrie, Parliamentary Secretary on Health, held roundtable discussions today with members of the Traditional Chinese Medicine community to hear their perspectives on the regulation of Traditional Chinese Medicines in Canada.
"I'm glad to have the opportunity to be a part of this roundtable meeting today." said Dr. Carrie. "Our government has been listening with interest to the Traditional Chinese Medicine community to learn more about what we can do to ensure we're striking the right balance in our approach to Traditional Chinese Medicines and other natural health products."
More than 1, 400 traditional Chinese Medicines are currently available for sale in Canada. Recognizing the unique nature of Traditional Chinese Medicines, Health Canada accepts information from both literature references to traditional use and modern scientific literature as evidence to support the safety and efficacy of Traditional Chinese Medicines.
"Canadians want to have a full range of options to improve and maintain their health. For a growing number of us, that approach includes the use of Traditional Chinese Medicines and other natural health products." said Dr. Carrie. "We will continue to work closely with the Traditional Chinese Medicine community to ensure that there is enough flexibility built into the system."
Another roundtable on Traditional Chinese Medicines was held in Vancouver earlier this year.
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