According to the Authority, the framework will take into account the potential risk of a product in order to ensure that the right level of oversight through regulations is applied.
The initiatives are keeping with the Government's overall strategy to continue to streamline and update the current regulations.
The Department will continue to advance operational improvements over the next 18 months, while the proposed regulations are being developed.
Initiatives are set to include:
- A Health Products and Food Regulatory Roadmap; to achieve a more efficient and transparent regulatory system that enhances consumer safety, reduces burden, fosters innovation and accountability, and helps deliver a variety of health options to Canadian families.
- 'Vanessa's Law' (Bill C-17) will aim to introduce targeted new measures for pharmaceutical drugs and medical devices that demonstrate unacceptable risks to Canadians. These consultations will also ensure that the new authorities in Bill C-17 will focus on products that pose a risk to Canadians, while providing appropriate oversight for lower risk products such as sunscree
Stakeholders will be invited to provide feedback on the Consumer Health Product Framework for a 60 day period as of June 9th. 2014.
Authority is being backed by the industry
Currently, the broad definition of “drug” in the Food and Drugs Act includes everything from oncology drugs and prescription pharmaceuticals to toothpastes, mouthwashes, sunscreens, lipsticks and other cosmetics that include a secondary sunscreen.
Thus, the Canadian Cosmetic,Toiletry and Fragrance Association says it welcomes Health Canada’s announcement and that its' members are committed to being active participants in this process.
"The current definition has resulted in a host of regulatory requirements intended and designed for higher-risk prescription pharmaceuticals being unnecessarily applied to much lower-risk consumer health products," the Association said in a statement, following Health Canada's announcement.