West Coast Homeopathic Society has been politically active since 2000, when the Canadian government began public consultations about establishing the Office of Natural Health Products, which later was re-named the Natural Health Products Directorate (NHPD) and, more recently, the Natural and Non-prescription Health Products Directorate (NNHPD). Now WCHS is a recognized stakeholder with both the federal and provincial (BC) governments. The former controls the manufacture and distribution of health products, which affects the homeopathic industry and the public's access to homeopathic remedies.
Provincial governments are responsible for the practice of health care in their jurisdiction, which includes determining those healthcare modalities that can be freely practiced and those that require regulation as a healthcare profession, with legislated requirements and restrictions.
Our representatives continually monitor political activities and events that have the potential to affect the public's access to homeopathic products and treatment by a qualified homeopath. We also coordinate closely with the advocacy activities of the Canadian Society of Homeopaths.
On the provincial level, WCHS has steadfastly opposed the idea of regulating the homeopathic profession in BC. Our members can be assured that we will continue to do so in the future.
Recently we have been following developments concerning the new Health Professions and Occupations Act (HPOA), which affects all regulated health professionals in BC (but fortunately not homeopaths). Introduced on October 19, 2022, the Bill rapidly received Royal Assent on November 24, 2022. Since an implementation schedule and in-force date have not yet been released, BC’s regulated professional health colleges will continue to operate under the old Health Professions Act. However, that can change at any time.
The government explains that the purpose of this Act is to lay the groundwork for transforming how regulated professional colleges will fulfill their mandate to protect the public. Section 441, “Minister's directions”, establishes the supremacy of orders by the Minister of Health, requiring all professional colleges to enforce government guidance on their profession’s activities. This brings to mind recent government action requiring mandatory vaccination for all regulated health professionals and opposing “COVID-19 misinformation”.
Our Political Action committee has been aware of the regulatory situation in Ontario that has lead to statutory regulation of the homeopathic profession in that province. Although these developments have not directly affected the practice of homeopathy in BC, indirectly they could inspire and become the model for similar legislation in all provinces. The WCHS Board will remain active in opposing any suggestions of professional regulation both in BC and in any other province. We encourage everyone with an interest in homeopathy to become informed about the details of regulating the homeopathic profession and its potential impact on homeopathy and the public across the country.
On the national level, the Natural and Non-prescription Health Products Directorate (NNHPD) is responsible for the manufacture and distribution of all natural health products in Canada, including homeopathics. Over the past few years, WCHS representatives have participated in many consultations with NNHPD, by phone and in person.
Also on the national level, WCHS was actively involved with the Canadian Coalition for Homeopathic Medicine (CCHM), which was created to co-ordinate a national economic sector study on homeopathy. Our participation ceased when it became clear that not all homeopathic organizations were welcome to participate.
Within the next few years, political decisions will be made that will irrevocably change the future of homeopathy in Canada. WCHS encourages all homeopathic users to become fully aware of the facts pertaining to various political issues so that they can make informed choices and influence political decisions.
We welcome all feedback from professional homeopaths, students, and interested consumers. If you wish to share information pertaining to any political concern involving homeopathy, contact WCHS at This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it. or 604-803-9242.