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By Victoria Yan Yun | Photos by Victor
TORONTO, ON — More than 300 practitioners, policymakers and community leaders gathered in Toronto on Sept. 18 to mark the 40th anniversary of the Chamber of Chinese Herbal Medicine of Canada (CCHMC), celebrating four decades of advocacy and the development of traditional Chinese medicine within Canada’s regulatory system.
A documentary screened at the anniversary banquet traced the history of Chinese herbal medicine in Canada, from its early use among Chinese communities in the 19th century to the regulatory challenges faced by herbal medicine businesses in the 1980s.
The CCHMC was established in 1986 as merchants and practitioners sought to address customs restrictions, import requirements and the legal status of Chinese herbal medicines. CCHMC President Tony Cheung said the organization was created to represent the industry and engage directly with government agencies on regulatory and trade issues.
A significant focus of that work came in 1998, when CCHMC representatives appeared before the House of Commons Standing Committee on Health, presenting historical documentation and information on the use and safety of Chinese herbal medicines. Later that year, Health Canada moved to recognize standards from the Chinese Pharmacopoeia in its regulatory approach to traditional Chinese medicines.
The Chamber has since participated in discussions surrounding Ontario’s regulation of traditional Chinese medicine and acupuncture and has represented the sector through Health Canada’s advisory processes on natural health products.
More recently, the organization joined the Canadian Health Food Association in raising concerns over proposed federal cost-recovery fees and new labelling requirements for natural health products. The advocacy contributed to broader industry consultations over implementation costs and transition periods.
The anniversary event also included messages of recognition from Prime Minister Mark Carney, Ontario Premier Doug Ford, Toronto Mayor Olivia Chow and Chinese Consul General Luo Weidong.
Looking ahead, Cheung said the Chamber plans to continue advocating for broader recognition of Chinese Pharmacopoeia standards, stronger international supply chains and compliance with Canadian and North American regulatory requirements.
